Shelby County, TN Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Per-night capacity
- Set and recorded on the permit
- Accessory unit limit
- No more than four sleeping rooms
- Minimum renter age
- Principal renter at least 18
- Minimum stay
- No paid stays under 24 hours
Summary
Shelby County's STR permit application sets the maximum transient capacity per night on the permit and limits a detached accessory dwelling unit rental to no more than four sleeping rooms. The principal renter must be at least 18, and rentals shorter than 24 hours are prohibited.
The property owner may rent a detached accessory dwelling unit that complies with applicable building codes for residential structures as short term rental property provided the detached accessory dwelling unit contains not more than four (4) sleeping rooms.
Full Breakdown
Shelby County's Short Term Rental Property Permit Application requires the applicant to state the maximum transient capacity per night, which is recorded on the permit, so each unit's occupancy is set at registration. Under the county's Rules and Regulations of Short Term Rental Properties, an owner may rent a detached accessory dwelling unit as an STR only if it complies with residential building codes and contains not more than four sleeping rooms. The principal renter must be at least eighteen (18) years of age. The county also prohibits receiving compensation for occupancy of an STR for less than twenty-four (24) hours, barring sub-daily rentals. These are the rules for unincorporated Shelby County; cities may set different caps.
Violations & Fines
Exceeding the transient capacity recorded on the permit, renting a detached accessory dwelling unit with more than four sleeping rooms, renting to a principal renter under 18, or accepting payment for stays under 24 hours all violate county STR rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can a Shelby County STR host?
Can I rent out a backyard guest house separately?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Shelby County
Compare Shelby County to another location·View the Tennessee short-term rentals overview
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