Memphis, TN Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Chapter 5-44 does not set a separate decibel limit or curfew for short-term rentals; instead § 5-44-6(A) folds transient guests into the city's existing noise code by requiring that all short term rental property owners and their transient guests abide by all applicable noise control restrictions of Memphis City Code Section 22-1 (recodified as Chapter 9-68 in the current code) and the garbage collection and disposal provisions of Ordinance No. 4840. The underlying standard, Section 9-68-1, 'Loud, disturbing and unnecessary noises generally,' prohibits the creating of any unreasonably loud, disturbing and unnecessary noise within the limits of the city, and separately bars any noise of such character, intensity or duration as to be detrimental to the life or health of any individual, or in disturbance of the public peace and welfare.

Because § 5-44-6(A) makes that citywide rule binding on both the owner and the transient guests staying at the unit, a noise complaint at a short-term rental is enforced the same way as any other residential noise complaint, but it also feeds Chapter 5-44's own accountability structure: the responsible party identified in the permit application under § 5-44-5(C)(8) must be available around the clock to respond in person to noise and other complaints, and failure to appear is separate grounds for permit suspension under § 5-44-5(E).