Memphis does not require Type A hosts to be physically present during guest stays, but the unit must remain the host's primary residence. A 24/7 local responsible-party contact is mandatory and must respond to complaints within one hour.
Unlike strict host-presence cities, Memphis Ord. 5894 lets Type A owners travel while guests occupy the property, provided the dwelling remains their bona fide primary residence per the 185-day test. However, every STR (Type A or B) must designate a local contact within Shelby County who can respond to neighbor complaints, code violations, or emergencies within 60 minutes. The contact's name and 24-hour phone number must appear on the listing and be filed with the permit. Failure to respond is a permit-revocation trigger.
Unreachable local contacts, response delays beyond 60 minutes, or repeated neighbor complaints with no host action result in permit suspension and may upgrade enforcement to revocation.
Memphis, TN
Memphis Ordinance 5894 splits short-term rentals into Type A (owner-occupied primary residence) and Type B (non-primary). Type A operators must use the dwell...
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...
See how Memphis's host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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