| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — annual STVR Certificate; Homestay ($250) or Absentee ($500) |
| Tax Rate | TN State 7% + Chattanooga/Hamilton County 6.25% = ~13.25% |
| Night / Day Cap | None; residential zones ban non-owner STRs |
| Permit Fee | $250/$500 |
| Penalties | Up to $500/day; STVR certificate revocation |
| Primary Residence Required | Homestay: Yes; Absentee: No |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rentals in Chattanooga, Tennessee are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — annual STVR Certificate; Homestay ($250) or Absentee ($500). The associated permit fees are $250/$500.
Short-term rental operators in Chattanooga should be aware of these tax obligations: TN State 7% + Chattanooga/Hamilton County 6.25% = ~13.25%.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Chattanooga include: Primary residence requirement: Homestay: Yes; Absentee: No. Rental day cap: None; residential zones ban non-owner STRs. Occupancy limit: Per unit.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Chattanooga: Residential zones: hosted only; non-hosted restricted to commercial zones. Density rules: Commercial zones only for absentee.
Hosts who fail to comply with Chattanooga's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Up to $500/day; STVR certificate revocation.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Chattanooga but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. Dual tier: Homestay (owner-occupied, primary ≥183 days/yr) in commercial + STVR overlay. Absentee (non-owner) restricted to commercial zones only — generally banned in residential. Certificate must be
Yes. Chattanooga requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — annual STVR Certificate; Homestay ($250) or Absentee ($500).
Short-term rental hosts in Chattanooga are subject to the following tax obligations: TN State 7% + Chattanooga/Hamilton County 6.25% = ~13.25%.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Chattanooga may face enforcement. Up to $500/day; STVR certificate revocation.
Homestay vs. Absentee two-tier system; absentee banned in residential zones; $500/day fine; 13.25% tax.
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