Occupancy Limits: Hernando vs Southaven

How many guests can stay overnight in a Hernando, MS short-term rental?

Hernando has not published a numeric per-bedroom guest cap. The Mississippi-adopted IRC sets minimum room sizes and egress that indirectly limit sleeping capacity, and the Office of Planning issues the business license required for STR use. Confirm any specific guest cap with the Hernando Office of Planning at (662) 429-9095 before listing your property.

Do I need to collect Mississippi sales tax on my Hernando Airbnb bookings?

Yes. Mississippi imposes a 7% state sales tax on lodging including cleaning fees and guest fees. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Mississippi state sales tax on bookings made through their platforms. If you book guests outside those platforms, you must register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue and remit the tax yourself. Hernando does not currently impose a separate municipal lodging tax.

How many guests can stay in a Southaven Airbnb?

Southaven's Code of Ordinances does not set a numeric occupancy cap for short-term rentals. Practical limits come from the Mississippi-adopted IRC bedroom minimums (70 sq ft for one occupant plus 50 sq ft per additional occupant), Chapter 7 parking requirements (two off-street spaces per dwelling unit), and any HOA rules. Confirm with Southaven Planning at 662-393-6939.

Does Mississippi cap short-term rental occupancy statewide?

No. Mississippi has no statewide short-term rental preemption or occupancy law. Cities can set their own STR rules, and Southaven currently relies on the building code, parking ordinance, and nuisance provisions rather than a dedicated STR occupancy cap. Hosts must still collect the 7 percent Mississippi sales tax on lodging and register a business with the city.