Germantown, Tennessee

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Shelby County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: RequiredTax: 5%
County-level data: No city-specific ordinance found. Showing regulations for Shelby County which apply to this area.
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/16/2026
5%Tax Rate

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$100 application fee; $50 renewal fee
Renewalannually (365 days)
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistYes

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stay1 (no compensation for less than 24 hours)
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT5%

Zoning Restrictions

  • Applies only to unincorporated parts of Shelby County; regulated under this STR ordinance, not rooming house provisions

Official Sources

library.municode.com/tn/shelby_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_CH8BUBURE_ARTXVIIISHTEREREPR_S8-803AP
Data confidence: 97%Last updated: June 16, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Germantown, Tennessee

Germantown, Tennessee has no separate city ordinance, so Shelby County rules apply — under which short-term rentals are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $100 application fee; $50 rene). A lodging/occupancy tax of 5% applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Germantown, Tennessee?

Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Germantown, Tennessee.

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

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $100 application fee; $50 rene.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Germantown?

Short-term rentals in Germantown are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 5%.

Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Germantown?

Yes — Germantown sets a minimum stay of 1 night.

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

These details are verified against Germantown'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 Germantown, Shelby County, or Tennessee authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.