Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Hamilton County, TN

Airbnb listings are allowed in Hamilton County, TN, but with restrictions. In unincorporated Hamilton County, rentals require onsite parking (1 space per 2 persons) and a contact reachable within 2 hours. In Chattanooga, rentals are restricted by a Short-Term Rental overlay; 'Homestay' requires primary residency (183+ days/year), while 'Absentee' is limited to specific commercial and multi-use zones. 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.

In unincorporated Hamilton County, rentals require onsite parking (1 space per 2 persons) and a contact reachable within 2 hours. In Chattanooga, rentals are restricted by a Short-Term Rental overlay; 'Homestay' requires primary residency (183+ days/year), while 'Absentee' is limited to specific commercial and multi-use zones.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Hamilton County. 1. Apply for a business license through the County or City Clerk. 2. Submit an application via the OpenGov portal (County) or City portal including proof of ownership, insurance, and floor plans. 3. Schedule and pass a building safety inspection (smoke/CO detectors, exits).

1. Apply for a business license through the County or City Clerk. 2. Submit an application via the OpenGov portal (County) or City portal including proof of ownership, insurance, and floor plans. 3. Schedule and pass a building safety inspection (smoke/CO detectors, exits).

Vrbo is permitted in Hamilton County, 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.

Short-term rental hosts in Hamilton County 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.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Hamilton County. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.