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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Wilson County, TN

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

Zoning & Conditions

STRs must have an on-site caretaker or one living within 10 miles. Properties generally require a minimum of 2 acres and must have viable sewer/septic systems. Approvals are granted in increments (e.g., one year) with the option to request renewals from the Board of Zoning Appeals.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply for approval from the Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals for a 'Bed and Breakfast/Inn or other form of short-term rental' use. 2) Upon approval, provide caretaker and owner contact information to the County Sheriff’s Office, Zoning Office, and Emergency Management Agency. 3) Ensure the property meets minimum lot size (2 acres), health department sanitation rules, and has approved sewer/septic systems.

Official Resources

Official Wilson County STR regulation source

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Wilson County, TN?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Wilson County, TN, but with restrictions. STRs must have an on-site caretaker or one living within 10 miles. Properties generally require a minimum of 2 acres and must have viable sewer/septic systems. Approvals are granted in increments (e.g., one year) with the option to request renewals from the Board of Zoning Appeals. 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 Wilson County, TN?
STRs must have an on-site caretaker or one living within 10 miles. Properties generally require a minimum of 2 acres and must have viable sewer/septic systems. Approvals are granted in increments (e.g., one year) with the option to request renewals from the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Wilson County?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Wilson County. 1) Apply for approval from the Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals for a 'Bed and Breakfast/Inn or other form of short-term rental' use. 2) Upon approval, provide caretaker and owner contact information to the County Sheriff’s Office, Zoning Office, and Emergency Management Agency. 3) Ensure the property meets minimum lot size (2 acres), health department sanitation rules, and has approved sewer/septic systems.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Wilson County?
1) Apply for approval from the Wilson County Board of Zoning Appeals for a 'Bed and Breakfast/Inn or other form of short-term rental' use. 2) Upon approval, provide caretaker and owner contact information to the County Sheriff’s Office, Zoning Office, and Emergency Management Agency. 3) Ensure the property meets minimum lot size (2 acres), health department sanitation rules, and has approved sewer/septic systems.
Is Vrbo legal in Wilson County, TN?
Vrbo is permitted in Wilson 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Wilson County?
Short-term rental hosts in Wilson 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Wilson County?
We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Wilson County. 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