Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Smithville, TN

Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Smithville, TN. Tennessee law defines a short-term rental unit as a residential dwelling rented for less than 30 continuous days; providers (or marketplaces on their behalf) must maintain at least $500,000 liability insurance and comply with fire sprinkler, smoke alarm, and carbon monoxide alarm requirements. Local governments may apply generally applicable land‑use rules to STRs and may enact reasonable regulations to protect public health and safety, but may not prohibit STRs outright; legacy providers that were operating prior to local regulation retain operating rights until sale, 30 months of non-use, or repeated violations per state law. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Tennessee law defines a short-term rental unit as a residential dwelling rented for less than 30 continuous days; providers (or marketplaces on their behalf) must maintain at least $500,000 liability insurance and comply with fire sprinkler, smoke alarm, and carbon monoxide alarm requirements. Local governments may apply generally applicable land‑use rules to STRs and may enact reasonable regulations to protect public health and safety, but may not prohibit STRs outright; legacy providers that were operating prior to local regulation retain operating rights until sale, 30 months of non-use, or repeated violations per state law.

No permit is currently required to operate a short-term rental in Smithville.

Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Smithville, TN, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform, and no permit is currently required. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Smithville 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 Smithville. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.