Rutherford County, TN Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Rutherford County, TN, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- License fee
- $15.00 each (county + city)
- Issued by
- County Clerk office
- Covers
- Airbnb, VRBO, private rentals
- Apply online
- tncountyclerk.com
- Phone
- 615-898-7800 ext. 2
Summary
Before renting, you must obtain an initial business license through the Rutherford County Clerk (and your city) and register for state and local taxes. Airbnb, VRBO, and privately operated rentals are all covered.
You must also apply for your initial business license through the County Clerk office and the City you are located in at $15.00 each
Full Breakdown
Rutherford County directs every short-term rental operator to apply for an initial business license and register for the required taxes. The county's official guidance states hosts must obtain a business license through the County Clerk and the city where the property sits, and notes that AIRBNB, VRBO, and privately owned rentals are all included. Registration is handled through tncountyclerk.com or by phone at 615-898-7800, ext. 2. There is no separate statewide STR license, but operators must keep the business license current and remit business, sales, and occupancy taxes to remain in compliance.
Violations & Fines
Failing to register for a business license or taxes exposes the operator to assessment of unpaid tax, plus penalties and interest collected by the county and Tennessee Department of Revenue.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I register my Rutherford County short-term rental?
Does a private cabin rental need to register?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Rutherford County
How Rutherford County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Compare Rutherford County to another location·View the Tennessee short-term rentals overview
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