Memphis, Tennessee

Short-Term Rental Regulations — Shelby County

Allowed (Permit Required)

STR Status

Permit: Required
✓ Verified against the official ordinance.View source· Last verified 6/7/2026

Permit & Licensing

Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$300 initial application fee; $150 renewal fee
Renewalannual (365 days)
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified

Owner Requirements

Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredYes

Limits & Restrictions

Minimum Night Stayminimum 24-hour stay
Parking RequiredNot specified

Taxes & Fees

Transient Occupancy Tax / TOT3.5% privilege tax on consideration charged; plus $2.00 per paid occupied room night assessment

Zoning Restrictions

  • subject to Chapter 5-44 regulations, not rooming house provisions of Memphis and Shelby County Unified Development Code

Official Sources

library.municode.com/tn/memphis/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT5REFI_CH5-44SHTEREOR_S5-44-5PERE
Data confidence: 95%Last updated: June 7, 2026

Short-term rental rules in Memphis, Tennessee

Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Memphis, Tennessee are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit (fee: $300 initial application fee; ). A lodging/occupancy tax of 3.5% privilege tax o applies.

Frequently asked questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Memphis, Tennessee?

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

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

A short-term rental permit is required, the fee is $300 initial application fee; .

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Memphis?

Short-term rentals in Memphis are subject to a lodging/occupancy tax of 3.5% privilege tax o.

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

Yes — Memphis sets a minimum stay of 24 nights.

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

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