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.

Registration Requirements

Registration Required: Short-Term Rental Permit. Registration fee: $200. Annual renewal: $200 annually. Register through the Memphis Division of Planning and Development or Memphis and Shelby County Division of Planning and Development. Your registration number must be displayed on all platform listings. Failure to register before hosting is a violation subject to fines.

Operational Rules

Short-Term Rental Rules in Memphis: 1. Short-Term Rental Permit required for rentals of fewer than 30 consecutive days 2. Permit number must be displayed inside unit and on all booking platform listings 3. Maximum occupancy: 2 guests per bedroom, plus 2 additional guests 4. Memphis noise ordinance applies throughout rental period 5. Off-street parking required for STR guests 6. Smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher required in unit 7. Life safety inspection may be required for initial permit 8. Annual renewal required — permit not transferable

• •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

Platform-Specific Rules

Platform-Specific Rules in Memphis: Airbnb: Airbnb collects Tennessee Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% state) plus Memphis/Shelby County lodging tax on qualifying rentals VRBO: VRBO collects applicable Tennessee and Memphis lodging taxes Always verify current platform tax collection and remittance policies directly with your platform — these can change without advance notice to hosts.

Penalties for Violations

Penalties for STR Violations in Memphis: $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. Memphis 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.

• ⚠$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