Chattanooga, Tennessee

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Hamilton County

Conditional

STR Status

Permit: RequiredProcessing: 30 days
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/19/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$500 initial / $500 renewal for absentee; $250 initial / $250 renewal for homestay
Renewalannual
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified
Est. Processing Time30 days

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredYes
Insurance RequiredNot specified

Limits & Restrictions

Density / Distance Cap25% of total units in multi-unit dwellings
Parking RequiredYes

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates

Zoning Restrictions

  • Homestay allowed in all residential zones within the STR Overlay District; absentee only in mixed-use/commercial zones that allow hotels or parcels of 20+ acres with common ownership

Official Sources

Data confidence: 91%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Chattanooga, Tennessee

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Chattanooga, Tennessee are allowed under certain conditions. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $500 initial / $500 renewal fo). The home must be the host's primary residence.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Chattanooga, Tennessee?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed under certain conditions in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The home must be the host's primary residence.

Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Chattanooga?

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $500 initial / $500 renewal fo.

Where do these Chattanooga short-term rental rules come from?

These details are verified against Chattanooga's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.

Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Chattanooga, Hamilton County, or Tennessee authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.