Brandon's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Brandon, Mississippi, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Taxes & Fees

Brandon requires STR operators to collect and remit Mississippi sales tax and local tourism taxes. MS Code Ann. §27-65-23 governs accommodation tax collection.

Key details: State Sales Tax: 7%. Local Tourism Tax: 1%-3% varies. Registration: MS Dept of Revenue. Authority: MS Code Ann. §27-65-23.

Failure to collect taxes: back taxes plus 10% penalty. MS DOR may assess additional fines. Interest accrues on unpaid taxes. Business license may be suspended.

Parking Rules

Brandon has no published short-term rental ordinance, so STRs follow the residential parking standards in Appendix A (Zoning) of the Brandon Code of Ordinances. Single-family dwellings must provide off-street parking on the same lot as the dwelling. Confirm the exact space count and any STR-specific requirements with Community Development at 601-824-4580 before listing.

Key details: STR Ordinance: None published. Code Source: Appendix A Zoning. Default Standard: Residential off-street. State Preemption: None in MS. Community Dev: 601-824-4580.

Off-street parking shortages, blocking sidewalks, or guest vehicles parked in violation of city parking ordinances may be cited by Brandon Police or Code Enforcement. Confirm specific penalty amounts and any STR-specific parking requirements with Community Development at 601-824-4580.

Occupancy Limits

Brandon has not adopted a short-term rental specific occupancy ordinance. Maximum occupancy defaults to the residential and building code standards adopted by the city, including the 2018 International Residential Code. Mississippi has no statewide STR occupancy mandate. Confirm any per-bedroom guest cap or family definition with Community Development at 601-824-4580 before publishing your listing.

Key details: STR Ordinance: None published. Building Code: 2018 IRC/IBC. Code Source: Chapter 18 Buildings. State Mandate: None in MS. Industry Guideline: 2 per bedroom plus 2.

Overcrowding that violates the 2018 International Residential Code, the city's adopted property maintenance code, or the family definition in Appendix A (Zoning) can be cited by Brandon Code Enforcement. Confirm penalty amounts and any STR-specific occupancy rules with Community Development at 601-824-4580.

Noise Rules

Brandon applies standard noise ordinance rules to short-term rental properties. STR operators are responsible for ensuring guests comply with local quiet hours.

Key details: Quiet Hours: 10 PM to 7 AM. Operator Liability: Yes, for guest noise. Strike Policy: 3 strikes typical. House Rules: Must be posted.

First offense: warning to operator. Second offense: $200 to $500 fine. Third offense: permit suspension or revocation. Operators liable for guest violations.

Permit Requirements

Brandon may require registration or permits for short-term rental properties. Mississippi law leaves STR regulation primarily to local municipalities under home rule authority.

Key details: Permit Type: Business license + STR permit. Renewal: Annual. Local Contact: May be required. Authority: MS Code Ann. §21-19-1.

Operating without permit: $250 to $500 fine. Daily fines of $100 to $250 for continued operation. Business license revocation possible for repeat violations.

The Bottom Line

Brandon's short-term rentals 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 Brandon is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Brandon's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.