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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Cordova, TN

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals in Cordova (within Shelby County/Memphis jurisdiction) require a minimum rental period of 24 hours, posting of a 24/7 Responsible Party contact, and specific safety equipment including UL-approved smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Detached accessory dwelling units are permitted as STRs only if they meet building codes and contain no more than four sleeping rooms. Operators must comply with Room Occupancy Tax and be current on property taxes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Submit an application via the Develop901 (Accela) portal or the Shelby County STR form, including a site plan and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Pay the application fee ($100 for original, $50 for renewal) and pass a final inspection by Memphis/Shelby County Code Enforcement. 3) Once issued, the permit is valid for 365 days and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration.

Official Resources

Official Cordova STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Cordova, TN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Cordova, TN, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals in Cordova (within Shelby County/Memphis jurisdiction) require a minimum rental period of 24 hours, posting of a 24/7 Responsible Party contact, and specific safety equipment including UL-approved smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Detached accessory dwelling units are permitted as STRs only if they meet building codes and contain no more than four sleeping rooms. Operators must comply with Room Occupancy Tax and be current on property taxes. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Cordova, TN?
Short-term rentals in Cordova (within Shelby County/Memphis jurisdiction) require a minimum rental period of 24 hours, posting of a 24/7 Responsible Party contact, and specific safety equipment including UL-approved smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Detached accessory dwelling units are permitted as STRs only if they meet building codes and contain no more than four sleeping rooms. Operators must comply with Room Occupancy Tax and be current on property taxes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Cordova?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Cordova. 1) Submit an application via the Develop901 (Accela) portal or the Shelby County STR form, including a site plan and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Pay the application fee ($100 for original, $50 for renewal) and pass a final inspection by Memphis/Shelby County Code Enforcement. 3) Once issued, the permit is valid for 365 days and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Cordova?
1) Submit an application via the Develop901 (Accela) portal or the Shelby County STR form, including a site plan and proof of $1,000,000 liability insurance. 2) Pay the application fee ($100 for original, $50 for renewal) and pass a final inspection by Memphis/Shelby County Code Enforcement. 3) Once issued, the permit is valid for 365 days and must be renewed at least 30 days before expiration.
Is Vrbo legal in Cordova, TN?
Vrbo is permitted in Cordova, TN under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Cordova?
Short-term rental hosts in Cordova are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Cordova?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Cordova. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.

Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction