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Chattanooga short-term rental rules (2026)

Tennessee · United States
Restricted
These rules apply inside Chattanooga city limits only. Properties outside them follow county or neighboring-town rules.
Rules last checked  ·  Region: US

Market overview

RESTRICTEDStays under 31 nights

Allowed, with material limits. New licenses are capped; some remain available.

Two certificate types: Homestay (owner's primary residence, $250) and Absentee (not owner-occupied, $500), renewed every year.

Why do places restrict rentals?

Property eligibility: Not assessed A market overview can't tell whether a specific home qualifies (zoning, permits, HOA).

License
Required
Primary residence
Required
Tax on stays
17.25%
total, on our records
Night cap
None

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ALLOWEDStays of 30+ nights

Longer stays (30+ days)

Stays of 31 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals.

Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

Not legal advice. The legal framework, notes and sources are in the full report.

Browse all 13 STR regulations in Tennessee → Browse all 944 STR regulations in United States →

The full Chattanooga rules

17 rules on record for Chattanooga, 15 of them from government sources. Every rule traced to its official source. How we research

Free account includes full rules for one place, with change alerts. Full report $39 · See a sample. For a lender or insurer: rules summary for one address, $29, free with the report. Already have an account? Sign in.

Source: chattanoogatn.portal.opengov.com (official), checked 5 Nov 2026. Official links, citations and how to apply come with a paid plan.

Quick answers

Is Airbnb legal in Chattanooga?

Yes, with material limits. Two certificate types: Homestay (owner's primary residence, $250) and Absentee (not owner-occupied, $500), renewed every year.

Do you need a permit for a short-term rental in Chattanooga?

Yes, a license or registration is required.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Chattanooga?

17.25% in total on stays, on our records.

Is there a limit on rental nights in Chattanooga?

No night cap is on record.

Can I rent for longer stays in Chattanooga?

Stays of 31 nights or more fall outside the short-term rental rules here and are let as ordinary rentals. Guests staying this long can gain tenant rights, such as protection from eviction.

When were the Chattanooga rules last checked?

We last checked the short-term rental rules for Chattanooga on 5 Nov 2026.

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