Short Term Rental

Looking for AirBnB or Short-Term Rental Properties?


Stay informed about the latest Metro Council developments in Nashville impacting real estate. Reach out to us to begin your investment property journey with the most current insights.

Nashville Guide to Short-Term Rental Permit

Short-term rentals such as Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com have become popular in recent years. These more diverse and affordable rental options are great for travelers but also provide benefits to homeowners or those considering owning their own rental properties. One of the greatest benefits for someone investing in a short-term rental property is that you have the availability to list your property as a full-time or part-time vacation rental. All STRPs must acquire proper permits through Metro Nashville & Davidson County and follow all regulations set in place. These permits and regulations have cast a more positive light on STRPs as of recent and Metro Government of Nashville and Davidson County provides all of the resources you need to begin your STRP journey.

Two Types of Short - Term Rentals

Owners of Short-Term Rental Properties, are required by the Metropolitan Government to obtain an operating permit.

Owner Occupied

To obtain an owner-occupied permit for rental properties in Davidson County, the owner must primarily reside at the property.

Residency status is verified by documents such as a Tennessee driver’s license, State ID, voter registration card, pay stub, work ID, IRS W2 form, or bank statement, which should match the property's deed. The permit is restricted to natural persons, disqualifying LLCs, corporations, trusts, partnerships, and other entities.

Each single-family or two-family lot is eligible for only one permit. In two-family units, both units must be owned by the same person, with one unit being the owner's primary residence. This applies to detached duplexes under a Horizontal Property Regime. For properties zoned as Specific Plan (SP) or within a Planned Unit Development (PUD), permits are subject to SP or PUD conditions, and inquiries should be directed to the Metro Planning Commission.

Non-Owner Occupied

Non-owner-occupied rental properties are restricted to a single party of individuals.

The ownership information on applications must align with the deed recorded with the Davidson County Clerk's office.

New permits for such properties are only issued in specific zoning districts, including MUN, MUL, MUG, MUI, OG, OR20-OR40-A, CN, CL, CS, CA, CF, DTC North, South, West, Central, SCN, SCC, and SCR. Permits in Specific Plan (SP) or Planned Unit Development (PUD) areas are contingent on SP or PUD regulations, and inquiries should be directed to the Metro Planning Commission.

New non-owner-occupied permits are not allowed in AR2A, R, RS, or RM zones. Existing permit holders in these zones can apply for renewals, but these permits are non-transferable upon property sale or transfer.