Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Southaven, MS?

Yes—short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Southaven, MS, subject to local regulations. The city requires STR operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental Business License, comply with zoning restrictions, meet safety requirements, and collect and remit applicable state and local taxes. Enforcement and compliance monitoring are active, with annual inspections, occupancy and parking rules, and complaint-driven enforcement in place.

Key points at a glance:

• A Short-Term Rental Business License is mandatory before listing.
• Zoning compliance (residential vs. commercial zones) is required; certain areas and HOA-governed properties may impose additional restrictions.
• Tax obligations include the 7% Mississippi state sales tax and a local tourism tax (confirm the exact local rate with the City Finance Department; sources vary on the tourism tax rate and some indicate a local hospitality or tourism tax).
• Safety standards include smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, posted emergency plans, and occupancy/parking limits.
• Separation rules (e.g., 400-foot spacing between STRs in residential areas) and density caps can apply.
• Owners must designate a local representative capable of responding to issues within 30 minutes, 24/7.

References: 1, 2, 3

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Southaven

1. Verify zoning and permitted use

• Confirm whether STRs are allowed in your property’s zoning district (R-1/R-2 vs. R-3; commercial/mixed-use zones may have different rules).
• Check HOA, subdivision covenants, or historic district rules, which can supersede city rules.
• Understand density/spacing rules (e.g., 400-foot separation between STRs in residential areas). 1

2. Obtain the Short-Term Rental Business License

• Apply through the City of Southaven (official municipal website and Code of Ordinances). Licensing requires property details, insurance documentation, and a safety inspection. 1, 2

3. Safety and inspection requirements

• Install/maintain smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors (where applicable), and fire extinguishers.
• Post emergency evacuation plans and contact information in each unit.
• Properties must meet occupancy limits and parking requirements (typically one parking space per bedroom in residential areas). 1

4. Designate a local representative

• Provide a local contact who can respond within 30 minutes, 24/7. Non-local owners typically hire a professional property manager or appoint a local agent. 1

5. Set up tax collection and remittance

• Register with the Mississippi Department of Revenue (DOR) to collect the 7% state sales tax on gross rental proceeds (including cleaning fees). 3
• Collect and remit Southaven’s local tourism/hospitality tax; confirm the exact rate (sources indicate variation—verify with the City Finance Department). 1, 2
• Maintain quarterly filings and records; prepare for audits. 1, 3

6. Operational planning

• Implement guest screening, noise monitoring, parking management, and community relations programs to minimize complaints and maintain compliance. 1, 2

7. Maintain compliance over time

• Renew licenses annually; complete annual safety inspections.
• Monitor updates via the city’s official communications. 1

References: 1, 2, 3

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Short-Term Rental Business License application (City of Southaven)
• Proof of property ownership (e.g., warranty deed or notarized authorization)
• Insurance documentation evidencing required coverage
• Safety inspection report and compliance certificates (smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers)
• Emergency evacuation plans posted in each unit
• Local representative contact details (24/7 response capability)
• Property site/floor plans showing bedrooms, occupancy limits, and parking
• Mississippi DOR tax registration for sales tax collection
• Records of gross rental income, occupancy periods, taxes collected/remitted, and expenses
• Compliance with zoning restrictions and HOA/deed restrictions, where applicable

References: 1, 2, 3

Specific Regulations: City of Southaven, DeSoto County, and State of Mississippi

City of Southaven (municipal)

• Licensing: Short-Term Rental Business License required prior to operations. 1, 2
• Zoning: STRs must comply with local zoning; verify permitted status and any special use permits. Residential zones R-1/R-2 may allow STRs as conditional uses; R-3 may be more restrictive. 1
• Separation: 400-foot spacing requirement between STRs in residential areas. 1
• Occupancy and parking: Limits typically tied to square footage/bedroom count; one parking space per bedroom common in residential areas. 1
• Safety: Smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, posted emergency plans, and annual inspections. 1
• Local contact: 24/7 representative with 30-minute response time required. 1
• Taxes: 7% state sales tax plus a local tourism/hospitality tax (confirm rate with the City Finance Department). 1, 2
• Enforcement: Active monitoring via inspections and complaints; violations can result in fines, cease orders, license suspension/revocation. 1

County (DeSoto County)

• No county-specific STR licensing identified in the provided sources. County zoning or building codes may apply in unincorporated areas; verify requirements with the County Planning/Building Department if your property is outside city limits.

State of Mississippi

• Sales tax: 7% state sales tax on gross proceeds from short-term rentals (including cleaning fees). 3
• Local tourism taxes: Many Mississippi municipalities impose additional local taxes; Southaven applies a local tourism/hospitality tax—verify the exact rate. 3
• State oversight: Mississippi relies heavily on local regulation for STRs; there is no comprehensive statewide STR licensing framework. 3
• Income taxes: STR income is subject to federal and Mississippi state income taxes; maintain records for deductions and reporting. 3

References: 1, 2, 3

Contact Information (Licensing and Taxing Authorities)

City of Southaven (municipal licensing, zoning, enforcement)

• Southaven City Hall
  • Address: 8710 Northwest Dr., Southaven, MS 38671
  • Phone: 662-280-2489
  • Website: southaven.org/ (City Services; Planning & Development; Code of Ordinances) 2

Mississippi Department of Revenue (state sales tax registration and reporting)

• Website: www.dor.ms.gov/
• Phone: Not specified in provided sources; consult the DOR website for tax account setup and filing guidance. 3

Important: Confirm current application procedures and fees directly with City Planning/Development and the City Finance Department, as online portals and contact details may change. 1, 2

Source Pages and Links

• Southaven Short-Term Rental Laws 2026: A Complete Guide (investor-focused overview, licensing, taxes, enforcement, spacing): www.jakenfinancegroup.com/southaven-short-term-rental-laws-2026-a-complete-guide 1
• City of Southaven – Code of Ordinances (official municipal code and licensing pathway): southaven.org/214/Code-of-Ordinances 2
• Vacation Rental Management in Southaven, Mississippi (hosting overview, business license, taxes, zoning cautions): www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/southaven-mississippi 2
• Mississippi Short-Term Rental Rules: Compliance Guide (state sales tax, local tourism taxes, licensing frameworks across MS): www.checkmaterentals.com/blog/mississippi-short-term-rental-rules 3

Notes and Disclaimers:

• Local tax rates: Sources indicate Southaven imposes a local tourism/hospitality tax, but rates vary across provided references. Confirm the exact local rate and reporting schedule with the City of Southaven Finance Department or the Mississippi DOR. 1, 2, 3
• Zoning specifics: Detailed zoning map layers, permissible uses by district, and permit procedures should be confirmed through the City Planning & Development Department. 1, 2
• Fees and penalties: Annual licensing fees and penalty amounts may change; verify current schedules and enforcement practices with the City. 1

This guide synthesizes all relevant information provided in the source materials and focuses specifically on Southaven, MS. Where sources diverge or lack specificity, investors should verify details directly with municipal authorities before committing capital or listing properties.