Chattanooga STR

Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Chattanooga, TN (2026)

Short-term rental rules, registration requirements, and penalties for Chattanooga, TN. Source-cited from official municipal code.

Short-Term Rentals Allowed

Yes, short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) are allowed in Chattanooga, TN.

Chattanooga, TN allows short-term rentals — commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO — subject to local regulations that have evolved significantly since 2015. Hosts must register with the city (Short-term vacation rental certificate) before listing their property. Chattanooga regulates STRs to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood quality of life. Key rules cover primary residence requirements, nightly limits, occupancy caps, and tax collection obligations. Hosts who operate without required registration or in violation of city rules face substantial fines. Below are the current registration requirements, rules, platform-specific notes, and penalties for Chattanooga.

Statewide Preemption

Source unreachable

Short-Term Rental Preemption

Tennessee's official source could not be reached to confirm statewide STR preemption.

View Tennessee preemption details

Registration Requirements

Registration Required: Short-term vacation rental certificate. Registration fee: varies. Annual renewal: annually. Register through the local building department or local planning department. Your registration number must be displayed on all platform listings. Failure to register before hosting is a violation subject to fines.

Registration Type: Short-term vacation rental certificate · Verified May 20, 2026 · Source
Registration Fee: Varies
Annual Renewal: Varies

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Chattanooga beyond standard property codes.

STR registration required for rentals under 30 consecutive days
Registration number must be displayed in unit and on all booking platform listings
Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional
Noise ordinance compliance required — quiet hours enforced
Off-street parking required for guests where available
Life safety equipment required: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher
Annual renewal required

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Chattanooga are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

$500 per day fine for operating without registration
Registration suspension for safety violations
Registration revocation for repeated nuisance violations

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I do Airbnb in Chattanooga?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Chattanooga, TN with registration required.

Do I need to register to host on Airbnb in Chattanooga?

Yes, Chattanooga requires Short-term vacation rental certificate for short-term rental hosts.

Source: Chattanooga Short-Term Rental Registration Ordinance. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source

Last updated: April 6, 2026

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