Short-term rental rules · Memphis, Tennessee
Short-term rentals in Memphis, explained properly.
Memphis requires a short-term rental permit for any residential property rented for less than 30 consecutive days, under an ordinance effective July 1, 2023. According to a secondary source, both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied rentals are allowed with no permit cap, each permit covers up to three sleeping rooms, stays must be at least 24 hours, and the permit costs $300 up front and $150 a year to renew, plus city and county business licenses. Operating without a permit is reported at $50 per day. Guests pay about 18.75% in combined taxes.
Draft. These rules were compiled from the sources listed below — official where available, with fields that rely on secondary sources marked for review — and have not yet been checked line by line. Confirm with the city before making decisions.
At a glance
What you need to know before you buy or list
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Permit required since July 1, 2023 | Hosts must hold a city short-term rental permit for rentals of less than 30 consecutive days; the requirement took effect in 2023[1][2]Confirming |
| $300 permit, $150 renewal | A secondary source reports a $300 non-refundable initial permit fee, $150 annual renewal due at least 30 days before expiration, and $15 each for City of Memphis and Shelby County business licenses[2]Confirming |
| No cap on non-owner-occupied rentals | Both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs are permitted, with no cap on non-owner-occupied permits, according to a secondary source[2]Confirming |
| Three sleeping rooms, 24-hour minimum | A secondary source reports a maximum of three sleeping rooms per permit, a 24-hour minimum stay (no day-use rentals) and a minimum principal renter age of 18[2]Confirming |
| $50 per day without a permit | A secondary source reports $50 per day per unit plus court costs for operating without a permit, with suspension or revocation possible after three or more violations[2]Confirming |
| Combined tax about 18.75% | A secondary source cites 7% Tennessee sales tax, 2.75% Shelby County local sales tax, 4% City of Memphis hotel-motel tax and 5% Shelby County hotel-motel tax, and says Airbnb and Vrbo collect all four[2]Confirming |
| Last researched | September 25, 2026 |
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Every field here is from secondary sources. Confirm against the city ordinance (Code Chapter 5-44) and the Shelby County permit application, and watch City Council agendas. Unincorporated Shelby County has its own permit.
Sources
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This page is general information compiled from public sources, not legal or tax advice. HOA rules, deed restrictions and zoning for a specific property can be stricter. Confirm with the local permitting office and a qualified professional before buying or listing a property.