The City of Knoxville's Short Term Rental (STR) ordinance went into effect in January 2018. STRs include listings booked through online platforms, such as Airbnb and Home Away, by which people rent out part or all of their property for short periods of time.


STR ORDINANCE

Click here to learn more about the ordinance.

Comments or questions about the City's ordinance can be sent to [email protected].


STR UNIT APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications for STR unit permits are accepted and issued through the Business Tax Office. 
Short Term Rental Unit Application Form [PDF]
Short Term Rental Unit Training for Hosts [PDF]
Short Term Rental Unit Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]


ENFORCEMENT OF STR ORDINANCE

To make it easier to enforce the STR ordinance, the City has contracted with Host Compliance, a Silicon Valley-based company that specializes in tracking and identifying STR listings. Host Compliance will provide City tax officials with regular reports of STR activity, highlighting any listings that appear to be properties operating without a City permit. That will enable City officials to send notification letters to those property owners, informing them of the ordinance and encouraging them to seek a permit. Property owners who do not comply will be subject to citation. Also included with the Host Compliance service is a 24-hour hotline for people to call with any complaints or concerns about STR operations. You can reach the hotline at any time of day or night by calling the City’s 311 service at 865-215-4311. 


PERMITTED STR UNITS

Type 1 Permits: owner-occupied in residential areas
View Type 1 Permits [PDF]

Type 2 Permits: non-owner-occupied in non-residential areas
View Type 2 Permits [PDF]