How to get a short-term rental permit in Knoxville, TN (2026)
Knoxville requires Short-Term Rental Unit Permit (Type 1 or Type 2 Operating Permit) — the fee is $70, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.
Permit at a glance
| Permit required | Yes |
|---|---|
| Permit name | Short-Term Rental Unit Permit (Type 1 or Type 2 Operating Permit) |
| Permit fee | $70 |
| Renewal | Annual |
Step by step
- 1
Confirm your property is eligible
Confirm the property's zoning allows short-term rentals. Zoning determines permit eligibility. In residentially zoned districts, STRs are allowed only at the owner's principal residence (Type 1 Permit; owner must be a natural person and prove residency with 2 documents). In non-residential districts where residential use is allowed, owners or tenants (with owner permission) may operate non-owner-occupied STRs under a Type 2 Permit; entities may hold at most two Type 2 permits citywide. STRs are prohibited in districts where residential uses are not allowed by the Zoning Code. Type 1 applicants must notify abutting/across-street property owners and the area neighborhood group.
- 2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental Unit Permit (Type 1 or Type 2 Operating Permit)
Submit the Short-Term Rental Unit Permit (Type 1 or Type 2 Operating Permit) application to Knoxville and pay the $70 fee. $70 for a Type 1 Operating Permit (owner-occupied, residential district — the standard case) and $120 for a Type 2 Operating Permit (non-owner-occupied, non-residential district). Annual renewal is $50 for both types. City and County business licenses are also required at $15 each.
- 3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Knoxville. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
- 4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.
STR rules change without warning.
Get an email the moment Knoxville changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.
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Verified July 21, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Knoxville before applying.