Memphis Ord. 5894 applies only to rentals shorter than 30 consecutive days. Extended home-shares and corporate housing of 30 days or more are governed by Tennessee URLTA (TCA 66-28) as standard residential tenancies, not STRs.
The 30-day threshold is the bright line between a Memphis STR (requiring a city permit, occupancy taxes, and Ord. 5894 compliance) and a residential tenancy under the Tennessee Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (TCA 66-28). Stays of 30 days or more, even on Airbnb, become regular leases: the host must comply with TURLTA notice rules, security-deposit limits, and habitability standards. This benefits traveling nurses, relocators, and corporate housing operators who want to bypass STR permitting. However, hosts still need any required rental-registration depending on property type.
Misclassifying short stays as long-term to dodge STR permits, terminating a 30-plus-day tenancy without TURLTA notice, or charging illegal security deposits triggers state-court action and city fines.
Memphis, TN
Memphis requires STR permits under Code Ch. 5-44 (effective July 2023). Permit fee is $300 initial, $150 annual renewal. Permit number must appear on all lis...
Memphis, TN
Memphis requires rental property registration through its rental property code enforcement program. Landlords must register rental properties with the city a...
See how Memphis's extended home share rules stack up against other locations.
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