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

Memphis, 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 Permit) before listing their property. Memphis 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 Memphis.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Registration Required: Short-Term Rental Permit. Registration fee: $300. Annual renewal: $150 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 Rental Permit · Verified June 6, 2026 · Source

Registration Fee

$300 · Verified July 13, 2026 · Source

Annual Renewal

$150 · Verified July 13, 2026 · Source

Operational Rules

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

• •Short-Term Rental Permit required for rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days
• •Permit number must be displayed inside unit and on all booking platform listings
• •Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests
• •Memphis noise ordinance applies throughout rental period
• •Off-street parking required for STR guests
• •Smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher required in unit
• •Life safety inspection may be required for initial permit
• •Annual renewal required — permit not transferable

Penalties for Violations

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

• ⚠$500 fine per day for operating STR without valid permit
• ⚠Permit suspension for safety violations
• ⚠Permit revocation for repeated noise, occupancy, or nuisance violations
• ⚠Civil penalties for code violations

Frequently Asked Questions