Nashville, TN Rental Regulations FAQ 2025

Written by: Sanjin Hadziomerovic

Comprehensive FAQs for Short-Term Rental (STR) Regulations in Nashville, TN

Investing in short-term rental (STR) properties requires an in-depth understanding of local regulations. Below is a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for STR operators and investors to help you navigate the rules in Nashville, TN and stay compliant while maximizing profitability.

1. What is considered a short-term rental in Nashville, TN?

Any property listed on short-term rental websites (e.g., Airbnb, HomeAway) for transient occupancy (typically less than 30 days) is considered a Short-Term Rental Property (STRP) and must receive a permit from the Metro Codes Department before being listed (Short Term Rental Property Permit Information).

2. Do I need a permit to operate a short-term rental in Nashville, TN?

Yes. All STRPs—whether owner-occupied or non-owner occupied—must obtain a permit from Metro Codes before listing. There are two permit types:

• Owner-Occupied Permit: The owner resides on the property while renting out one or more rooms or a portion of the dwelling.
• Non-Owner Occupied Permit: For investor-owned properties; only allowed in certain non-residentially zoned areas as listed in the District Land Use Table.
  Permit fees are $313 and must be paid at the time of approval (STRP FAQs).

3. What are the zoning laws for STRs in Nashville, TN?

• Owner-occupied permits: Allowed in any residential zone where the owner lives on site.
• Non-owner occupied permits: Restricted to non-residentially zoned areas identified in the District Land Use Table (District Land Use Table PDF).
  Before applying for a permit, verify that your property’s zoning classification permits your chosen permit type (STRP Permit Information).

4. Are there occupancy limits for short-term rentals in Nashville, TN?

Yes. Operation requirements specify that the maximum number of occupants must not exceed twice the number of permitted sleeping rooms plus four, with an absolute cap of 12 occupants at any one time. Simultaneous rental to more than one party under separate contracts is prohibited (Operation Requirements).

5. What taxes are short-term rental hosts required to pay in Nashville, TN?

STRP operators must collect and remit the following:

• Business Tax: As required by state and Metro Codes.
• Sales Tax (Transaction Privilege Tax): Collected on gross rental receipts.
• Hotel Occupancy Tax: As mandated by state law and Metro Code.
  Detailed instructions and remittance deadlines are on the Remitting Taxes page. A third party may collect and remit these taxes on your behalf, provided the remittance clearly indicates the owner name and property address (STRP FAQs).

6. What are the safety and health requirements for STR properties in Nashville, TN?

STRPs must comply with all applicable state and local building and fire safety codes. Additional Operation Requirements include:

• No visible recreational vehicles, buses, or trailers in conjunction with STRP use.
• No food preparation or serving to transients by the permit holder or manager.
• The principal renter must be at least 21 years old.
• The local responsible party’s name and 24/7 telephone number must be conspicuously posted within the unit (Operation Requirements).

7. How are noise and nuisance complaints handled in Nashville, TN?

All occupants must abide by applicable noise restrictions and waste management provisions in the Metropolitan Code. Permit holders are responsible for guest behavior and may face enforcement actions for repeated complaints. Report violations via hubNashville (STRP Permit Information).

8. Can I manage multiple short-term rental properties in Nashville, TN?

Yes. Each property requires its own STRP permit (owner- or non-owner occupied) and associated fees. Non-owner occupied permits are only issued in designated non-residential zones, while owner-occupied permits can be issued in any residential zone where the owner resides (STRP Permit Information).

9. What are the penalties for non-compliance with STR regulations in Nashville, TN?

• Permit Revocation: A permit may be revoked upon three violations of any applicable law or ordinance.
• Expiration/Non‐renewal: Operating under an expired permit results in a one-year prohibition from obtaining a new permit.
• Enforcement Actions: Failure to register or comply leads to citations and enforcement under Metro business-license and zoning codes (STRP FAQs).

10. Are there any updates or changes to STR regulations I should be aware of in Nashville, TN?

• Ordinance BL2020-187 is the current law governing STRPs in Nashville.
• Permit requirements and fees were updated when Ordinance BL2020-187 took effect in 2020.
• The STRP permit fee was set at $313 per year and must be renewed annually with proof of insurance and Hotel Occupancy Tax payment (STRP FAQs).
  Any subsequent amendments would be reflected in the Metro Code (Title 6, Chapter 28) and on the Codes Department website.

11. Can I self-manage my short-term rental in Nashville, TN?

Yes. You may self-manage provided you designate a local responsible party (name and 24-hour contact) in your permit application. No property management company is required by Metro Code (Operation Requirements).

12. What are the insurance requirements for short-term rentals in Nashville, TN?

Proof of current property insurance must be submitted at permit renewal. Specific minimum coverage amounts are not detailed in the Metro Code, but best practice is to maintain a policy covering at least $1 million in liability and property damage, including short-term rental activities (STRP FAQs).

13. Are there any local rules regarding hosting platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) in Nashville, TN?

While the Metro Code does not directly regulate hosting platforms, STRP operators must register and permit their properties regardless of the platform used. Platforms may collect and remit state and local taxes, but operators remain responsible for proper tax reporting and permit compliance.

14. What are the inspection requirements for STRs in Nashville, TN?

• Fire Inspection: Required elements and procedures are detailed on the “Apply for Short Term Rental Property Permit” section of the Codes Department site.
• Building Code Compliance: Properties must meet all applicable building and fire safety codes prior to permit issuance (Apply for STRP Permit).
  Failure to pass required inspections will delay or prevent permit approval.

15. Are there any neighborhood-specific restrictions for STRs in Nashville, TN?

Homeowner associations may impose more restrictive rules than Metro regulations and can prohibit STRs within their boundaries. Permit holders must comply with any HOA covenants or restrictions (STRP FAQs).

16. Is there a cap on the number of STR permits issued in Nashville, TN?

No numerical cap exists. Permits are issued to qualifying properties based on permit type, zoning eligibility, and compliance with Metro Code requirements.

17. What parking requirements exist for STRs in Nashville, TN?

Operation Requirements do not specify additional STR-specific parking mandates. Properties must comply with the off-street parking standards set forth in the Metro Zoning Code for their applicable zoning district (Operation Requirements).