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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Nashville, TN

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are restricted by zoning; owner-occupied permits are allowed in residential zones (excluding NS districts), while new non-owner-occupied permits are limited to specific non-residential areas. Occupancy is capped at twice the number of permitted sleeping rooms plus four (max 12), and a local responsible party must be available 24/7.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Verify eligibility via the STRP parcel viewer and prepare a PDF application including proof of taxes, floor plan, insurance, and neighbor notifications. 2) Include a certification from a state-licensed architect, engineer, or home inspector for single/two-family dwellings. 3) Submit via email, pass inspection, pay the $313 fee, and renew annually.

Regulatory Updates — Nashville

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2023

Ban on Non-Owner-Occupied STRs in Single-Family Zones

Nashville Metro Council passed Ordinance BL2023-1655 prohibiting new non-owner-occupied short-term rental permits in single-family residential (RS) zones. Existing permit holders were given a phase-out period. This was one of the most significant STR restrictions enacted by any major US city.

Official source
PassedJanuary 2022

3% Census Tract Cap Implementation

Nashville enforces a cap limiting STR permits to no more than 3% of housing units in any census tract. This cap has made obtaining permits in popular neighborhoods extremely difficult, with waitlists forming in some areas.

FailedApril 2025

Tennessee State STR Preemption Bill — Failed

A Tennessee state legislature bill (HB 1774) that would have preempted local STR bans failed to advance in the 2025 session. Industry groups have indicated they plan to reintroduce preemption legislation in 2026.

ProposedOctober 2025

Proposed Extension of Non-Owner-Occupied Ban to Multi-Family

Nashville Council members have proposed extending the 2023 non-owner-occupied ban to multi-family residential zones, which would significantly impact operators running STRs in apartment buildings and condos. Still in early committee stages.

Official Resources

Official Nashville STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Tennessee Short-Term Rental Association (TNSTRA)Statewide

Statewide advocacy organization representing Tennessee STR owners and managers. Led the push for the 2025 state preemption bill and continues to organize operators statewide.

Nashville Vacation Rental AllianceLocal

Local group of Nashville STR operators that engages with Metro Council members and provides resources to help hosts navigate the city's licensing requirements.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association for the vacation rental industry with active advocacy on STR preemption legislation nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Nashville, TN?
STRs are restricted by zoning; owner-occupied permits are allowed in residential zones (excluding NS districts), while new non-owner-occupied permits are limited to specific non-residential areas. Occupancy is capped at twice the number of permitted sleeping rooms plus four (max 12), and a local responsible party must be available 24/7.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Nashville?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Nashville. 1) Verify eligibility via the STRP parcel viewer and prepare a PDF application including proof of taxes, floor plan, insurance, and neighbor notifications. 2) Include a certification from a state-licensed architect, engineer, or home inspector for single/two-family dwellings. 3) Submit via email, pass inspection, pay the $313 fee, and renew annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Nashville?
1) Verify eligibility via the STRP parcel viewer and prepare a PDF application including proof of taxes, floor plan, insurance, and neighbor notifications. 2) Include a certification from a state-licensed architect, engineer, or home inspector for single/two-family dwellings. 3) Submit via email, pass inspection, pay the $313 fee, and renew annually.
Can I still get a non-owner-occupied STR permit in Nashville?
New non-owner-occupied STR permits in single-family (RS) zones are no longer available following the 2023 ban. Non-owner-occupied permits may still be available in multi-family and commercial zones, subject to the 3% census tract cap. Owner-occupied permits (where the host lives on-site or in an adjacent unit) remain available across all zones that permit STRs.
What is Nashville's 3% census tract cap?
Nashville limits the total number of STR permits to 3% of all housing units within any given census tract. Once a tract reaches this cap, no new permits are issued until existing ones lapse. In popular tourist areas like downtown and East Nashville, many tracts are at or near capacity, creating effective waitlists.
Are there different STR permit types in Nashville?
Yes. Nashville issues owner-occupied permits (Type 1) for hosts who live on-site or in an adjacent dwelling, and non-owner-occupied permits (Type 2) for investment properties. Type 2 permits in single-family zones are no longer available to new applicants following the 2023 ordinance. Both types require annual renewal and compliance with noise, parking, and occupancy standards.
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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: March 2026 · Suggest a correction