Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Short-term rental rules, registration requirements, and penalties for Knoxville, TN. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) are allowed in Knoxville, TN.
Knoxville, 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 Rental Unit Operating Permit) before listing their property. Knoxville 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 Knoxville.
Statewide Preemption
Short-Term Rental Preemption
Tennessee's official source could not be reached to confirm statewide STR preemption.
View Tennessee preemption detailsRegistration Requirements
Registration Required: Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit. Registration fee: varies. Annual renewal: $50 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.
Operational Rules
No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Knoxville beyond standard property codes.
- Short-Term Rental Permit required for rentals under 30 consecutive days
- Permit number must be displayed inside unit and in all booking platform listings
- Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests
- Noise ordinance compliance required
- Off-street parking required for guests
- Smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguisher required
- Annual renewal required — permit not transferable
Penalties for Violations
Penalties for STR Violations in Knoxville: $50 per day for operating or advertising without a permit; Permit revocation if the continuation of the short term rental unit presents a threat to public health or safety. Knoxville has enforcement mechanisms to identify unlicensed short-term rental listings on platforms. Hosts should ensure all registrations are current and listings display valid registration numbers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I do Airbnb in Knoxville?
Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Knoxville, TN with registration required.
Do I need to register to host on Airbnb in Knoxville?
Yes, Knoxville requires Short-Term Rental Unit Operating Permit for short-term rental hosts.
Source: Knoxville Short-Term Rental Permit Ordinance. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source