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Rental Property Rules

How Franklin Handles Rental Property Rules: A Practical Guide

By CityRuleLookup Editorial Team

Franklin maintains 127 local ordinances across all categories, and 2 of those deal specifically with rental property rules. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Franklin falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Rental Registration

Franklin requires short-term vacation rental owners to apply for a certificate of use and occupancy and keep a local responsible party on file before renting to guests.

Key details: Registration: Certificate of use and occupancy. Local contact required: Within 25 miles. Posting required: Certificate + contact info in unit. Code sections: §§ 13-202, 13-203, 13-213.

Operating or advertising an STVR without an updated certificate of use and occupancy, or without a posted responsible-party contact, violates Title 13, Chapter 2 and can draw a code-enforcement citation.

Compared to other cities, Franklin takes a harder line on rental registration. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Repairs & Habitability

Franklin has adopted the 2024 International Property Maintenance Code citywide, setting structural, sanitation, and light/ventilation standards for dwellings, apartment houses, and rooming houses, enforced by Building and Neighborhood Services.

Key details: Code adopted: 2024 International Property Maintenance Code. Enforcing agency: Building and Neighborhood Services (BNS). Appeals body: Building and Streets Standards Board of Appeals. Legal basis: T.C.A. §§ 6-54-501 to -506.

Any violation of the property maintenance code is punishable by a fine set in Appendix A, Comprehensive Fees and Penalties; BNS issues Notices of Violation before citing, except where conditions are imminently dangerous.

The Bottom Line

Franklin's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Franklin is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Franklin can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.