Memphis requires short-term rental operators to carry liability insurance of at least $1,000,000 or use a booking platform that provides equivalent host protection. Proof of coverage must be submitted with the STR permit application annually.
Memphis STR ordinance requires a minimum of $1,000,000 in general liability coverage per occurrence. Operators may satisfy this either through a commercial STR policy (Proper Insurance, CBIZ, Obie) or by relying on Airbnb's AirCover or Vrbo's Liability Insurance Program, which both provide $1M in host liability. A certificate of insurance must be uploaded at permit application and renewed annually. Standard homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity, so hosts who rely on HO-3 policies without a rider face denied claims. Tennessee has no state-level STR insurance mandate, so the Memphis requirement controls. Mortgage lenders often require notice of STR use; some force-place commercial policies if not notified. Hosts in flood-adjacent areas along the Mississippi River or Wolf River tributaries should confirm flood coverage separately, as NFIP policies do not automatically follow STR use. Claims tied to guest injury, dog bites, and pool incidents are the most common in Memphis.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact Memphis code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
Memphis, TN
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Memphis, TN
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Memphis, TN
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Memphis, TN
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Memphis, TN
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Memphis, TN
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See how Memphis's insurance requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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