Confirm the Property
Verify the address, jurisdiction, property type, eligibility rules, and private restrictions.
Before you list
Memphis STR Permit: Step-by-Step
Prepare the Memphis 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.
Prepare 7 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.
Memphis approval outcome
The goal is an active Memphis Short-Term Rental Permit tied to the correct operator, property, tax accounts, and listing information.
A City short-term rental permit is required before operation under the current Memphis program. The ordinance does not limit permits to a primary residence, but the owner must obtain a separate permit for every STR unit.
Obtain the permit before accepting short-term rental guests.
Eligibility checks before the Memphis application
Confirm jurisdiction and eligibility
Match the street address to Memphis authority and confirm the property class can use Memphis Short-Term Rental Permit. If either the boundary or eligible-use result differs, stop before opening the application.
RequiredResolve 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.
RequiredOwnership record and scaled site plan
Show current ownership, each proposed STR unit, structures, site features, and the maximum transient capacity per night.
RequiredResponsible party within 50 miles
Identify an adult person or business able to appear at the property in response to noise, disorderly conduct, overcrowding, traffic, nuisance, or other alleged violations.
Required$1 million insurance verification
Provide evidence of fire, hazard, and liability coverage with at least $1 million per occurrence.
RequiredLife-safety compliance verification
Certify compliance with applicable building, health, and life-safety code provisions, including smoke and carbon-monoxide alarm requirements.
RequiredPrior citation and tax-status disclosures
Disclose applicable citations from the previous 12 months and confirm local property taxes, assessed court fines, and related court costs are current.
Required
Complete the Memphis application
Complete the process through the official Memphis Licenses and Permits.
Confirm the property and operator qualify
Verify the address, owner authority, and responsible-party requirement. The City lists a $300 initial fee and $150 renewal fee in its 2026 program materials.
Gather insurance and property records
Prepare the current coverage, contact, tax, and safety documents. The application requires a compliance verification for building, health, and life-safety codes. Public Works may inspect before initial issuance or renewal. The ordinance does not list an application-time neighbor mailing, but it requires a responsible party located within 50 miles and 24/7 contact information posted inside the unit.
Submit the permit application
Use the City licensing process and pay the current initial fee.
Use the review screen to confirm that ownership, tax, insurance, and floor-plan documents are attached. Verify issuance and renewal date
Do not operate from a pending application; record the 365-day expiration. The permit is valid for 365 days.
Memphis Licenses and Permits
Official Memphis application information and entry point.
Verify the Result
Confirm government status is active
A receipt, draft, correction notice, or pending status is not approval; resolve it with Memphis authority before accepting a stay.
RequiredCheck the listing number and property
Match the issued number, address, unit, operator, and expiration to every Memphis listing. Correct a missing number or property mismatch before the listing is made bookable.
RequiredCalendar filing and renewal
A marketplace with a City voluntary collection agreement handles covered occupancy and sales taxes; otherwise the owner must collect and remit them. Apply for renewal at least 30 days before the 365-day permit expires and pay $150.
Required
Common Causes of Delay or Denial
Wrong jurisdiction or property category
A Memphis STR Permit application filing belongs only in Memphis authority's program and the eligible property class for Memphis 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 Memphis Short-Term Rental Permit. Fix the source record that is wrong instead of uploading another conflicting copy.
Missing inspection, insurance, or notice
Maintain fire, hazard, and liability coverage of at least $1 million per occurrence.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I operate while the Memphis application is pending?
No. Obtain the permit before accepting short-term rental guests.
How much does the Memphis application cost?
The City lists a $300 initial fee and $150 renewal fee in its 2026 program materials.
How often does the Memphis approval renew?
The permit is valid for 365 days.