In Nashville and Davidson County, the law requires that anyone wishing to rent a property on Short Term Rental Property (STRP) websites such Airbnb and HomeAway MUST receive a permit from the Metro Codes Department prior to listing.
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.
There are two types of short-term rentals as defined by Metro Nashville/Davidson County, owner occupied and non-owner occupied.
Step 1
Floorplans may be official or hand drawn but must include all rooms available for rent along with all windows, doors and smoke detectors clearly identified. Smoke detectors are required in sleeping areas, all rooms in the path of a sleeping area exit and each story of the home with a sleeping area including the basement. NOTE: STRPs can have a maximum of four bedrooms. Homes with more than four will not qualify.
Step 2
Homeowners must provide proof of insurance that includes fire, hazard and liability of no less than one million dollars per occurrence. Some listing vendors may provide insurance, such as AirBnb.
Step 3
All property owners adjacent to the home must be notified prior to applying for permit and written proof of notification will be required. Written proof must include: a signature of the owner or a signed receipt of U.S. registered or certified mail addressed to the owner, a notice from USPS that certified mail to the owner was refused or not timely accepted. NOTE: if adjacent property is owned by Metro Government, there is no requirement for proof of notification.
Step 4
Owner occupied properties must provide two forms of proof of residence. Accepted forms include: address of the residence applying for permit and may include a TN driver’s license, other state of TN ID card, Davidson County voter registration card, pay stub, work ID or badge, IRS W2 form, or bank statement. NOTE: utility bills will not be accepted.
Step 5
Must provide proof of all taxes due, including property taxes.
Step 6
Name, phone number, address and email must be provided of the person that will be onsite in the event of an emergency or complaint. This person must be local, within a 25 mile radius of the STRP.
Step 7
Statement that STRP will not violate any Homeowner’s Association agreements or bylaws, condominium agreement, covenants, codes and restrictions, or any other agreement governing or limiting the use of the proposed property.
Step 8
An affidavit confirming all information submitted during application is true and accurate must be provided. If the property owner wishes to use a property manager or rental company to apply then a separate third-party notarized affidavit will be required.
Step 9
Once you have all documents and requirements collected, you may meet with a zoning examiner at the Development Services Center to begin the application process.
Step 10
Once a permit application has been submitted, a fire inspection must be scheduled, completed and passed.
Step 11
Once steps 1 through 10 have been submitted and approved, the applicant must pay $313.00 permit fee prior to receiving.
Step 12
STRP owners/operators must post a photo of the permit online with all listings.
Step 13
All sales and hotel taxes must be remitted to the appropriate agency.
Step 14
Permits must be expired every 365 days.
