| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Permitted with registration |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — city business license required |
| Tax Rate | TN State 7% + Knox County 5% = 12% |
| Permit Fee | Business license fee |
| Penalties | Standard enforcement |
| Primary Residence Required | No |
| Occupancy Limit | Per unit |
Short-term rental operations in Knoxville, Tennessee are permitted under an active regulatory framework as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — city business license required. The associated permit fees are Business license fee.
Short-term rental operators in Knoxville should be aware of these tax obligations: TN State 7% + Knox County 5% = 12%.
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Knoxville include: Primary residence requirement: No. Occupancy limit: Per unit.
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Knoxville: Business license required; no quantity limits.
Hosts who fail to comply with Knoxville's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Standard enforcement.
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Yes, Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Knoxville with proper registration and permits. Growing STR market. No owner-occupancy requirements or quantity caps. City business license required. Gateway to Smoky Mountains.
Yes. Knoxville requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — city business license required.
Short-term rental hosts in Knoxville are subject to the following tax obligations: TN State 7% + Knox County 5% = 12%.
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Knoxville may face enforcement. Standard enforcement.
Business license required; no caps or owner-occupancy rules; 12% combined tax; gateway to Great Smoky Mountains.
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