Chattanooga, TN Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- City Code § 38-89(c)(2)
- Proof required
- Driver's license or business records
- Frequency
- Annually, at renewal
- Applies to
- Homestay applicants only
Summary
Homestay short-term rental applicants must actually live on the property and prove it annually, with a driver's license, business records, or similar proof, to keep their Chattanooga STVR certificate active.
For homestay dwellings, the applicant/owner must be a natural person or a business entity (i.e., a Tennessee LLC, corporation, partnership etc.) whose business entity applicant lives on premises and can establish proof of ownership annually. Residency of all applicants must be proved annually during renewal with driver's license number, business records, or other documentation acceptable to the Development Review and Permitting Division.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 40 Update 1).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 38-89(c)(2) requires that a homestay applicant be a natural person, or a business entity whose applicant lives on the premises, and be able to establish proof of ownership annually. Residency of all applicants must be proved every year at renewal using a driver's license number, business records, or other documentation acceptable to the Development Review and Permitting Division. This on-premises residency check separates a homestay certificate from an absentee certificate, which instead triggers mandatory Fire Marshal and Building Inspector review under subsection (c)(3).
Violations & Fines
Failing to prove annual on-premises residency can cause the Development Review and Permitting Division to deny renewal or reclassify the unit as an absentee rental subject to stricter zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to prove I actually live at my Chattanooga STR?
What if I stop living there?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chattanooga
Compare Chattanooga to another location·View the Tennessee short-term rentals overview
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