Are short-term rentals allowed in Memphis, TN?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Memphis, subject to licensing and regulatory requirements.

Do I need a license to operate a short-term rental in Memphis, TN?

Yes, Memphis requires an STR license or permit to operate a short-term rental.

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Memphis, TN STR Regulations 2026 | HostReady

Memphis, TN

Short-Term Rental Regulations

Short-term rentals

Allowed

License

Required

No city-level short-term rental ordinance found for Memphis, TN.
State and county rules apply.
Confirm any local requirements with the local government.

We watch Memphis's short-term rental rules and alert you the moment they change. Check your address free, then $8.25/month, billed annually to keep it monitored.

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Legislative Activity

City Council First Vote on New Short-Term Rental Rules Scheduled for August 4

Memphis City Council is scheduled to take a first vote on new short-term rental rules on Tuesday, August 4.

scheduled

Stricter short-term rental terms to go before council

Stricter short-term rental terms are being considered and will go before the Memphis City Council for final votes. Charter referendums related to STR regulation are bound for the November 3 ballot.

reported

Stricter short-term rental terms to go before Memphis City Council

Stricter short-term rental terms are scheduled to go before the Memphis City Council for consideration.

reported

Stricter Short-Term Rental Terms Going Before Council

News reports indicate that stricter short-term rental terms are scheduled to go before the Memphis City Council. The article references ballot items for Memphis voters to decide on regulatory changes.

reported

At a Glance

Monitored for changesVerified from 8 sources

STR License

Yes

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We recorded 178 short-term rental rule changes across 72 US markets in the last 30 days.

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4 verified answers for Memphis, each backed by a citation

Are short-term rentals allowed
License required
Signage required
Local contact required

Full Requirements

Local Contact

Yes

Signage Required

Yes

Tax Obligations

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Memphis, TN Regulations Guide

Licensing and Permits

Memphis requires hosts to obtain an STR license or permit before listing their property on platforms like Airbnb or VRBO.

Get the full Memphis compliance guide

Tax rates, platform collection details, occupancy limits, operational requirements, and more.

Compiled from 8 official government sources and continuously monitored for changes. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local municipality before making investment or operational decisions.

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Citation receipts

11 cited facts for Memphis4 confirmed by 3+ sources · 1 cross-checked

Every fact below is taken from the issuing authority's own text. Open a quote to read it verbatim, or follow the source to read it on their page.

Licensing

4 facts

License requiredYes
memphistn.gov
checked 17 days ago
›Read the wording
“Properties used as short-term rentals must be registered through the Short-term Rental Registry, maintained by the Memphis & Shelby County Division of Planning and Development.”
License fee3 sources$300
Memphis municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“Each applicant for a short term rental permit under the provisions of this article shall pay to the division of public works, a non-refundable application fee of $300.00 at the time of the filing of the application to cover new applicant screening and on-site property inspection;”
What the license is called4 sourcesShort Term Rental Application
shelbycountytn.gov
checked 17 days ago
›Read the wording
“Short Term Rental Application”
Where to applymemphistn.gov ↗
memphistn.gov
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“Properties used as short-term rentals will need to have a permit issue through Shelby County Clerk's Office.”

Taxes

2 facts

Airbnb collects the taxYes
Memphis municipal code
checked 17 days ago
›Read the wording
“A hosting platform, under a voluntary collection agreement with the city, which facilitates a transaction between a short term rental property owner and a transient for lodging accommodations, shall be solely responsible and liable for collecting and remitting all occupancy and sale taxes to the city.”
You must file the tax yourselfNo
Memphis municipal code
checked 17 days ago
›Read the wording
“A hosting platform, under a voluntary collection agreement with the city, which facilitates a transaction between a short term rental property owner and a transient for lodging accommodations, shall be solely responsible and liable for collecting and remitting all occupancy and sale taxes to the city”

Limits on how you rent

1 fact

Minimum stay1 night
Memphis municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“5961 Adopted 12/2/25 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE NO.”

What you have to provide

4 facts

Local contact required3 sourcesYes
Memphis municipal code
checked 17 days ago
›Read the wording
“The name and telephone number of each short term rental property owner or their designee shall be conspicuously posted within the short term rental property unit. A short term rental property owner or their designee shall answer calls 24-hours a day, seven days a week for the duration of each short term rental period to address problems or complaints associated with the short term rental property.”
Inspection required3 sourcesNo
Memphis municipal code
checked 3 months ago
›Read the wording
“Prior to the issuance of any permit, the representatives from the division of public works shall be permitted, but not required, to conduct an on-site inspection of the property for which a permit or permits are sought to confirm the units comply with the requirements of this article.”
Insurance minimumCorroborated$1,000,000 per occurrence