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HomeShort-Term Rental LawsTennesseeKnoxvilleSTR Permit

Before you list

Knoxville STR Permit: Step-by-Step

Prepare the Knoxville STR Permit: eligibility, documents, fees, application steps, verification, and renewal.

  • Property eligibility
  • Official sources
  • You control every submission

Approval path

One Property, One Ordered Path from Requirements to Renewal.

Confirm the Property

Verify the address, jurisdiction, property type, eligibility rules, and private restrictions.

Prepare 9 Readiness Checks

Bring the host, ownership, residence, tax, insurance, and supporting records into one file.

Follow 4 Ordered Stages

Work through the government sequence, then retain the submitted record and confirmation.

Verify and Maintain

Confirm the issued approval, publish required details, and track taxes, changes, and renewal.

Knoxville approval outcome

The goal is an active Knoxville Short-Term Rental Permit tied to the correct operator, property, tax accounts, and listing information.

Short-term rentals inside Knoxville require a City permit and applicable business-tax registration. A Type 1 permit is for the owner’s principal residence in a residential district. Type 2 covers a non-owner-occupied unit in a non-residential district.

Obtain the City permit before operating a rental for stays under 30 days.

Eligibility checks before the Knoxville application

  • Confirm jurisdiction and eligibility

    Match the street address to Knoxville authority and confirm the property class can use Knoxville Short-Term Rental Permit. If either the boundary or eligible-use result differs, stop before opening the application.

    Required

  • Resolve the residence rule

    Save the records that prove this classification; if the operator or dwelling cannot meet it, choose a lawful rental path before paying a fee.

    Required

  • Recorded deed and operator application

    Attach proof of ownership in the form of a recorded deed and complete the operator, owner, property, hosting-platform, and permit-type fields.

    Required

  • Two residency records for Type 1

    Provide two accepted records, such as a Tennessee ID, vehicle registration, voter registration, school registration, or W-2 mailing. Redact information that should not become part of a public record.

    Required

  • Site and floor plan

    Document square footage, bedrooms, bathrooms, floors, exterior exits, driveway capacity, room layout, and guest parking.

    Required

  • Life Safety Compliance Verification

    List the number and location of smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers and certify that the equipment works.

    Required

  • City and County business licenses

    The City application packet lists both licenses as part of a complete submission. The City Business License and Tax Office provides the current registration forms.

    Required

  • Neighborhood notification evidence for Type 1

    Keep the completed notice, delivery evidence, and a map showing the neighborhood organization and properties notified.

    Required

  • Entity good-standing record for Type 2

    When the operator is a business entity, attach the printable Tennessee Secretary of State filing information showing good standing.

    Required

Complete the Knoxville application

Complete the process through the official City of Knoxville Short-Term Rental Guidance.

  1. Confirm City jurisdiction, zoning, and permit type

    Use the City boundary and KGIS zoning information to confirm Type 1 or Type 2 eligibility before paying or sending notices.

    • Type 1: owner-occupied principal residence in a residential district
    • Type 2: non-owner-occupied residential use in an eligible non-residential district
    Review the City FAQ for jurisdiction, eligibility, and permit-process details.

  2. Complete the application packet

    Complete the operator application, recorded-deed evidence, site and floor plan, life-safety verification, business licenses, and permit-type attachments. Type 1 applicants also prepare the notification map and notices. The City application lists $70 for a Type 1 permit and $120 for a Type 2 permit. Renewal is $50 for either type.

  3. Submit one complete packet

    Mail or deliver the packet and fee to the Knoxville Business License & Tax Office. Type 1 applicants must send the required neighborhood notices within two business days and retain proof. The City states that incomplete packets are returned.

    Use the City form when completing the annual permit-renewal filing.
    Follow the City application guide to assemble and submit one complete packet.

  4. Verify the issued permit and annual renewal

    Wait for the one-year permit before advertising, publish its number, and calendar the $50 renewal with the permit-type evidence. A permit is valid for one year unless revoked and must be renewed annually.

Verify the Result

  • Confirm government status is active

    A receipt, draft, correction notice, or pending status is not approval; resolve it with Knoxville authority before accepting a stay.

    Required

  • Check the listing number and property

    Match the issued number, address, unit, operator, and expiration to every Knoxville listing. Correct a missing number or property mismatch before the listing is made bookable.

    Required

  • Calendar filing and renewal

    File Knoxville occupancy-tax returns by the 20th of the following month, including a zero return for a month with no rental activity. Renew annually for $50. Type 1 renewals include two current residency documents; a Type 2 business entity includes current proof of good standing.

    Required

Common Causes of Delay or Denial

  • Wrong jurisdiction or property category

    A Knoxville STR Permit application filing belongs only in Knoxville authority's program and the eligible property class for Knoxville Short-Term Rental Permit. If the address, zoning/use result, or approval category differs, correct that decision before resubmitting.

  • Applicant and property records do not match

    Reconcile the applicant name, street and unit, ownership or tenancy record, tax account, and portal profile used for Knoxville Short-Term Rental Permit. Fix the source record that is wrong instead of uploading another conflicting copy.

  • Missing inspection, insurance, or notice

    The application requires a signed Life Safety Compliance Verification. The City may inspect to verify smoke alarms, carbon-monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Knoxville does not require insurance documentation with the permit application, but Tennessee law requires at least $500,000 in liability coverage unless qualifying marketplace coverage applies. Type 1 applicants must notify the applicable neighborhood organization and owners of adjacent and directly or diagonally opposite properties within two business days of applying.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

No. Obtain the City permit before operating a rental for stays under 30 days.

The City application lists $70 for a Type 1 permit and $120 for a Type 2 permit. Renewal is $50 for either type.

A permit is valid for one year unless revoked and must be renewed annually.