Knoxville, Tennessee Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Knoxville Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
In residentially zoned districts, Short Term Rental Units are allowed at the owner's principal residence and, for a limited period, at the property where the owner does not live at the Unit or where an owner has permitted a tenant. Short Term Rental Units are not allowed in districts where residential uses are not allowed by the Zoning Code. The number of occupants in a Short Term Rental Unit shall not exceed two (2) people per bedroom plus two (2) additional people. Due to state law regarding fire safety, the maximum occupancy of any Short Term Rental Unit, regardless of the number of bedrooms, shall not exceed 12 people at one time. Additional Resources:- Short Term Rental Unit Frequently Asked Questions
- Short Term Rental Unit Training for Hosts
- Short Term Rental Ordinance
Business License Requirements
Short-Term Rental Unit operators are required to obtain a Permit before advertising and operating their property for rental on a short-term basis. To get your City business license click here. PERMITTED STR UNITS- Type 1 Permits: owner-occupied in residential areas
- View Type 1 Permits
- Type 2 Permits: non-owner-occupied in non-residential areas
- View Type 2 Permits
Building and Housing Standards
Knoxville has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Building Permits & Inspections for more informationTourist and Local Taxes
Short Term Rental Units must collect occupancy privilege tax from their guests and remit these taxes to the City of Knoxville. All permit holders must pay this taxOther Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Knoxville for more informationIs something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
-
Short Term City Rating6.0
-
Competition
6.7 -
Real Estate Cost
7.6 -
STR Regulations
8.0 -
Seasonality
3.0 -
Rental Rates
4.9
Knoxville, Tennessee Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 190,740
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Knox
- Airports
- McGhee Tyson Airport (TYS)
- Gatlinburg-Pigeon Forge Airport (GKT)
Want to learn more about Knoxville?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Knoxville rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Knoxville rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Knoxville.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Knoxville guests.
Interested in other Tennessee cities?
Check out the Tennessee short term rental regulations directory
What makes Knoxville a great place to invest?
- Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene: Knoxville's bustling downtown is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with a variety of galleries, museums, and theaters. Don't miss the iconic Tennessee Theatre, a beautifully restored 1928 movie palace that hosts live performances and film screenings year-round.
- World's Fair Park: Step into the past by visiting the site of the 1982 World's Fair. This beautifully landscaped park features the iconic Sunsphere, an observation deck offering panoramic views of the city, as well as the Knoxville Museum of Art, the Festival Lawn, and the Performance Lawn – perfect for concerts and special events.
- Outdoor Adventures: Surrounded by the stunning Smoky Mountains, Knoxville is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise. Hike through the majestic Ijams Nature Center, explore the tranquil Knoxville Botanical Garden, or paddle down the Tennessee River on a thrilling riverboat cruise.
- NCAA Sports Action: Catch a game with the University of Tennessee's beloved Volunteers! This passionate sports town offers exhilarating NCAA football and basketball action at Neyland Stadium and Thompson-Boling Arena, respectively.
- Culinary Delights: From classic Southern fare to innovative farm-to-table cuisine, Knoxville's dining scene is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in mouthwatering barbecue, treat yourself to a sophisticated evening at a fine dining establishment, or explore the city's burgeoning craft beer scene.
Knoxville Nearby Cities
-
-
23 miles away
- Rating: 5.5
-
-
-
23 miles away
- Rating: 5.3
-
Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Knoxville?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Knoxville has increased 15% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $235, which is lower than the national average.
-
Median Sale Price
-
$365,787
15% YoY
-
Median per Square Foot
-
$235
9% YoY
-
Average Monthly Rent
-
$1,779
7% YoY
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Knoxville, Tennessee
Common terms for Knoxville short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Knoxville has a description approximately 1,535 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 1,030 listings in Knoxville, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Knoxville, Downtown Knoxville, Downtown, Place, Family, University, Smart, Yard, W, and Quiet.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Knoxville?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Knoxville involve going to the City Centre, the Zoo, Hiking, Museums, and Boating. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
-
City Centre
-
Zoo
-
Hiking
-
Museums
-
Boating
-
Antiquing
-
Wildlife Viewing
-
Health Spa
-
Cycling
-
Adventure Activities
-
Swimming
-
Kayaking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Knoxville, including University of Tennessee, Knoxville Convention Center, Turkey Creek Shopping Center, Neyland Stadium, and ThompsonBoling Arena. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
-
Well Known Attraction
-
University of Tennessee
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Knoxville Convention Center
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Neyland Stadium
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
ThompsonBoling Arena
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Market Square
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Tennessee Theatre
Included on nearly all listings
-
Local Landmark
-
Knoxville Expo Center
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Knoxville Zoo
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
West Town Mall
Included on most listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Turkey Creek Shopping Center
Included on 26% of listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Maryville College
Included on 18% of listings
What’s the weather like in Knoxville, Tennessee?
The weather is about the same as the national average, with an average high temperature of around 69°, while the average low is about 50°. The rainfall is much heavier, averaging about 42 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is relatively rare, averaging less than 5 inches per year. The humidity levels in Knoxville are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
33° Low 50° High
Spring
March through May
49° Low 70° High
Summer
June through August
68° Low 86° High
Fall
September through November
50° Low 71° High
Cities Near Knoxville
Knoxville, Tennessee, is located in Knox County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
