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

Yes, Shelby County requires an STR license or permit to operate a short-term rental. The license fee is 50.

What is the lodging tax rate for short-term rentals in Shelby County, TN?

The combined lodging tax rate in Shelby County is 5%. and 5% local tax.

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Shelby County, TN STR Regulations 2026 | HostReady

Shelby County, TN

Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Risk Score

Shelby County requires a short term rental property permit ($50) to operate a short-term rental. Combined lodging tax is 5%. Fines reach up to $50 per violation. Shelby County has no verified city-level short-term-rental ordinance. Shelby County rules are what apply at this address. What applies: TN state lodging tax 7%; no state-level registration is required. TN state sales tax 7% applies to lodging. Cities set additional hotel/motel taxes. Nashville has strict non-owner-occupied restrictions.

We watch Shelby County'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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At a Glance

Last verified 5 days agoVerified from 10 sources

STR License

Yes

Tax Rate

Potential Fines

Up to $50

License Fee

$50

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In Shelby County, fines reach $50 per violation

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7 verified answers for Shelby County, each backed by a citation

License required
License fee
Lodging tax rate
Maximum fine
Inspection required
Signage required
Local contact required

Full Requirements

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In Shelby County, fines reach $50 per violation.

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Shelby County, TN Regulations Guide

This guide covers everything you need to know about operating a short-term rental in Shelby County, TN.

Licensing and Permits

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

Get the full Shelby County compliance guide

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

Compiled from 10 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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Curious how Shelby County compares nationally? See the strictest and most welcoming US cities for short-term rentals.

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Citation receipts

16 cited facts for Shelby County

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

3 facts

License requiredYes
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“No person or entity shall operate a short term rental property or advertise residential property for use as a short term rental property without the owner of the property first having obtained a short term rental property permit issued by the county clerk's office.”
License fee$50
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“Short term rental permits many be renewed upon the payment of a $50.00 fee to cover the applicant renewal screening by the county clerk's office.”
What the license is calledshort term rental property permit
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“No person or entity shall operate a short term rental property or advertise residential property for use as a short term rental property without the owner of the property first having obtained a short term rental property permit issued by the county clerk's office.”

Taxes

6 facts

Lodging tax rate5%
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“Such tax shall be in the amount of five percent of the consideration charged by the owner for such occupancy.”
Local lodging tax5%
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“Such tax shall be in the amount of five percent of the consideration charged by the owner for such occupancy.”
Accommodation tax5%
Shelby County municipal code
checked 1 day ago
›Read the wording
“The county is authorized to levy a privilege tax upon the privileges of occupancy in any hotel or short term rental unit of each transient in an amount not less than three percent nor more than five percent of the consideration charged by the operator.”

What you have to provide

6 facts

Local contact requiredYes
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“A responsible party shall answer calls 24 hours a day for the duration of each short term rental period to address problems and complaints associated with the short term rental property.”
Inspection requiredNo
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“Prior to the issuance of any permit, the representatives from the county clerk's office shall be permitted, but not required, to conduct an on-site inspection of the property for which a permit or permits are sought”
Insurance minimum$1,000,000 per occurrence
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording

Enforcement

1 fact

Maximum fine$50
Shelby County municipal code
checked 5 days ago
›Read the wording
“Any short term rental unit found to be operated without a permit after the effective date of this article shall subject the owner of the property to a fine not to exceed $50.00 per day per unit, and any court costs.”