Austin vs Nashville
How do permit requirements rules compare between Austin, TX and Nashville, TN?
Austin and Nashville have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
View full Austin rules →Nashville, TN
Davidson County
All short-term rentals in Nashville require a Metro Codes permit before listing on Airbnb or similar platforms. Two permit types exist: Owner-Occupied and Non-Owner-Occupied. Non-owner-occupied permits are banned in most residential zones for new applicants.
View full Nashville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | ~$836 (new application) | - |
| License Term | 2 years (as of Oct. 2025) | - |
| Types | Type 1, 2, and 3 | - |
| Local Contact | Required, 2-hour response | - |
| Fine | Up to $500/day unlicensed | - |
| Code | - | Metro Code §6.28.030 |
| Permit Fee | - | $313/year |
| Owner-Occupied | - | Owner must permanently reside at property; natural persons only |
| Non-Owner-Occupied | - | Banned in most residential zones (AR2A, R, RS, RM) for new permits |
| Max Bedrooms | - | 4 sleeping rooms per permit |
| Responsible Party | - | Must be within 25 miles, available for complaints |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Austin?
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Austin?
License Fee: ~$836 (new application). License Term: 2 years (as of Oct. 2025). Types: Type 1, 2, and 3. Local Contact: Required, 2-hour response.
Nashville FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Nashville?
All short-term rentals in Nashville require a Metro Codes permit before listing on Airbnb or similar platforms. Two permit types exist: Owner-Occupied and Non-Owner-Occupied. Non-owner-occupied permits are banned in most residential zones for new applicants.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Nashville?
Code: Metro Code §6.28.030. Permit Fee: $313/year. Owner-Occupied: Owner must permanently reside at property; natural persons only. Non-Owner-Occupied: Banned in most residential zones (AR2A, R, RS, RM) for new permits.
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