Knoxville, TN Short-Term Rentals: Primary-Residence-Only Rule (2026)

A type 1 operating permit can be issued only to an owner of the short term rental unit. The property where the short term rental unit is located must be the owner's principal residence, except in the instance of duplexes as further described in this section. A person can only hold one (1) type 1 operating permit in the city. The type 1 operating permit is available only to natural persons. The owner is not required to remain or be present at the short term rental unit during the occupancy.(2)Accessory structures and duplexes. If there is an accessory dwelling structure on the property, the type 1 operating permit can be for either the primary dwelling structure or the accessory dwelling structure, but not for both. If a property houses a legal duplex and an owner owns both sides of the duplex, one (1) type 1 operating permit is available to the owner for either side of the duplex so long as the owner's principal residence is one side of the duplex.(3)Proof of ownership and residency. Ownership shall be established by the deed for the property as recorded in the county register of deeds. Residency shall be established by at least two (2) of the following documents, which must list the address of the short term rental unit on the document:a.The owner's motor vehicle registration;b.A valid driver's license or TN identification card of the owner;c.The address of the owner's children's school registration;d.The owner's voter registration card; ore.The owner's W-2 mailing.