Host Presence Rule: Austin vs Nashville
How do host presence rule rules compare between Austin, TX and Nashville, TN?
Austin and Nashville have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin City Code Chapter 25-2 establishes three STR license types, and Type 1 requires the operator to occupy the property as a primary residence. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) and Type 3 (multifamily) carry stricter limits, density caps, and ongoing litigation over permitted neighborhoods.
View full Austin rules →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
Nashville Type 1 STR permits require the owner to maintain the property as their principal residence and physically reside on site or in an attached unit during rentals, with annual proof of occupancy submitted under Metro Code 17.16.250.B.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Code chapter | Austin LDC Chapter 25-2 | - |
| Type 1 | Owner-occupied primary home | - |
| Type 2 | Non-owner whole-home, restricted | - |
| Type 3 | Multifamily commercial | - |
| Severity | Strict — among toughest in TX | - |
| Permit type | - | Type 1 owner-occupied |
| Residency proof | - | Two documents annually |
| Allowed in | - | All residential zones |
| Investor whole-home | - | Prohibited residentially |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Must an Austin Type 1 STR host stay on-site during a booking?
Type 1 requires the unit to be the operator's principal residence but allows whole-home rental during absences or hosted home-share. The principal-residence test is what defines Type 1, not literal nightly presence.
Can I open a non-owner-occupied STR in an Austin neighborhood?
Type 2 licenses for non-owner whole-home STRs in residential zones have been restricted since 2016. Litigation continues to shape availability; new Type 2 applicants in residential areas typically cannot get a license.
Nashville FAQ
Can I rent my whole house while traveling?
Type 1 hosts may rent the entire dwelling while away, but the property must remain their principal residence year-round and rental nights are tracked.
Does an LLC owner qualify?
No. Metro requires the natural-person owner to occupy the home; LLC-titled properties cannot obtain a Type 1 permit even if a member lives there.
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