Primary-Residence-Only Rule
Knoxville Type 1 short-term rental permits are restricted to the owner's primary residence, while Type 2 non-owner-occupied permits are allowed only in commercial and select mixed-use zones under Chapter 8.
Short-Term Rentals in Knoxville, TN (2026)
9 verified short-term rentals rules for Knoxville, Tennessee, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Permit Requirements
Knoxville requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a permit. The STR ordinance took effect in January 2018. Permits are required, with occupancy caps based on bedroom count, and caps on STR units in certain zones.
Knoxville Short-Term Rental Rules
Heavy RestrictionsNoise Rules
STR guests in Knoxville are subject to the same noise ordinance as all residents. There are no special STR noise rules. Chapter 18 applies equally to permanent residents and rental guests.
Knoxville STR Noise Rules
Some RestrictionsTaxes & Fees
Knoxville STR operators must collect and remit hotel/motel tax and Tennessee state sales tax. The combined tax includes state, county, and city portions. Permit and business license fees also apply.
Knoxville STR Taxes & Fees
Heavy RestrictionsParking Rules
Knoxville may require designated parking for STR guests. Operators should provide off-street parking information and ensure guests comply with city parking regulations.
Knoxville STR Parking Requirements
Some RestrictionsOccupancy Limits
Knoxville short-term rentals limit overnight occupancy to two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests, with hard caps tied to bedroom count and parking availability under Chapter 8 STR rules.
STR occupancy capped two per bedroom plus two
Some RestrictionsInsurance Requirements
Knoxville requires short-term rental operators to maintain liability insurance covering commercial-style transient lodging use, with proof submitted at permit application and renewal under Chapter 8 STR rules.
STR operators must maintain liability coverage
Some RestrictionsHost Presence Rule
Type 1 Knoxville short-term rental operators must use the property as their primary residence and remain reachable, while Type 2 operators must designate a local responsible party available within set response windows for complaints.
Type 1 hosts must maintain on-site presence rights
Some RestrictionsRepeat Violator Strikes
Knoxville STR permits can be revoked after repeated documented violations of noise, occupancy, parking, or trash rules, with revoked operators barred from reapplying for a defined cooling-off period under Chapter 8 enforcement.