Short-Term Rental Guide: Antioch, TN (Metro Nashville Davidson County)

Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Antioch, TN? Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Antioch, TN, but the rules are set by the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County (Metro Nashville). That means Antioch, as part of Davidson County, follows Nashville’s STR permitting and zoning framework. Two permit types exist: owner‑occupied (Type 1) and non‑owner occupied (Type 2). Importantly, new non‑owner occupied permits (investor‑owned STRs) are only permitted in certain non‑residentially zoned areas—most R/RS (single‑family/duplex) neighborhoods are off‑limits for new non‑owner occupied STRs.

How to start a short‑term rental business in Antioch

• Confirm zoning eligibility first. Use the Metro Nashville District Land Use Table (Web and PDF) to verify that the parcel lies within a non‑residentially zoned area if you intend to operate a non‑owner occupied STR. Owner‑occupied STRs can occur in more zoning contexts, but you still must meet all requirements and confirm HOA/condo rules allow STR use.
• Decide which permit type you need.
  • Owner‑Occupied (Type 1): You live in the property as your primary residence and rent portions of the unit (e.g., rooms).
  • Non‑Owner Occupied (Type 2): Entire property rented short‑term; only allowed in specific non‑residential zones (NO new Type 2 permits in R/RS zones).
• Assemble required documents and complete the Metro Codes application process (see checklists below).
• For multifamily buildings (3+ dwellings on the property), schedule and pass a Fire Marshal inspection after submitting your permit application.
• Pay the permit fee; receive your permit; include the permit number in all online listings (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.).
• Remit all applicable state and local taxes (sales, business, hotel occupancy tax).
• Maintain operations to code and renew annually.

Permits, licenses, and required documents Owner‑Occupied (Type 1) Permit

• Permit Fee: $313 (online or in‑person; credit cards include a processing fee).
• Required documents (single PDF submission to Metro Codes):
  • Proof of payment of all taxes due, including current property taxes.
  • Floor plan of the entire dwelling on letter‑sized paper showing all rooms, doors, windows, and smoke detectors for each floor; for single‑ and two‑family dwellings, the plan must be certified by a Tennessee‑licensed architect, engineer, or home inspector.
  • Proof of liability insurance evidencing homeowner’s fire, hazard, and liability coverage with limits of at least $1,000,000 per occurrence.
  • Notarized affidavit confirming the accuracy of information in the application (use the provided Owner‑Occupied STRP Affidavit template).
  • Proof of notification to adjacent property owners (in‑person or certified mail; use the provided notification template).
  • Homeowners Association (HOA) statement and Contact Information Form confirming STR operation does not violate HOA/condo bylaws and providing contact details for the responsible party, who must reside within 25 miles of the property.
  • Proof of residence for the owner (four documents evidencing owner‑occupation; details provided on the application page).
  • Post‑permit: Include permit number or a picture of the permit in every listing.

Non‑Owner Occupied (Type 2) Permit

• Permit Type Availability: New Type 2 permits are restricted to certain non‑residentially zoned areas. The process and documents closely mirror the owner‑occupied process (fees, insurance, floor plans, HOA statement, neighbor notifications, proof of taxes, etc.). Because zoning compliance is critical for Type 2, confirm parcel zoning via the District Land Use Table and Municode before proceeding. A separate checklist for Type 2 is available on the Metro website.

Regulations and operating rules (city/county/state)

• Permit requirement: Operating an STR on platforms such as Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway without a Metro permit is unlawful. Permits must be renewed annually; operating under an expired permit triggers a one‑year prohibition from obtaining a new permit.
• Permitted STR types: Owner‑occupied (Type 1) and non‑owner occupied (Type 2). New non‑owner occupied permits are only permitted in non‑residentially zoned areas.
• Neighbor notification: Adjacent property owners must be notified (in‑person or certified mail) before permit approval.
• Fire Marshal inspection: Required for multifamily structures (3+ dwellings on the property).
• Taxes: STR operators must remit business, sales, and hotel occupancy taxes to Metro and the State of Tennessee. The Office of the Treasurer provides registration and remittance guidance.
• Violation reporting: Reports of illegal STRs or related nuisances (noise, parking, trash) are handled through hubNashville. Tennessee state law requires that false complaints may be punishable as perjury.
• Appeals: There is a Short‑Term Rental Appeals Board with filing deadlines and published rules of procedure.

Tax obligations (state and local)

• Hotel Occupancy Tax (state): 5% on room charges for stays of fewer than 90 days. Register and remit through Tennessee Revenue.
• Sales Tax: Register with Tennessee Revenue; applicable to STR receipts (subject to state law; Metro provides guidance on registration/remittance).
• Business Tax: Register with Tennessee Revenue as applicable.
• Local hotel occupancy tax: Metro Nashville also collects local hotel occupancy taxes; consult the Metro Finance Office and Revenue guidance for current rates and filing requirements.

Local contacts and key offices

• Codes and Building Safety (Short‑Term Rental Permits): [email protected]
• Fire Marshal’s Office (multifamily inspections): [email protected]
• Metro Customer Service (general assistance): Dial 311 or (615) 862‑5000
• hubNashville (complaints/reports): hub.nashville.gov/
• Tennessee Revenue (sales/business/hotel occupancy tax): www.tn.gov/revenue.html

Important source pages and documents (links)

• Short‑Term Rental Property Permit Information (overview): www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals
• Owner‑Occupied STRP Permit Application Checklist: www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals/apply-short-term-rental-property-permit/checklist
• District Land Use Table (Web): library.municode.com/tn/metro_government_of_nashville_and_davidson_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=CD_TIT17ZO_CH17.08ZODILAUS_17.08.030DILAUSTA
• District Land Use Table (PDF): www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/LandUseTable.pdf
• Metro Codes Permit Search: documents.nashville.gov/Request/Form/PermitCodes
• Reporting STR violations (hubNashville): hub.nashville.gov/s/?language=en_US
• Short‑Term Rental Appeals Board dates (PDF): www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/STR-Board-Appeal-dates-2025.pdf
• STR Appeals Board Rules of Procedure (PDF): www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2025-09/Short-Term-Rental-Appeals-Board-Rules.pdf
• Short‑Term Rental Operation Requirements: www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals/operation-requirements
• Types of STRP Permits: www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals/permit-types
• Remitting Taxes (Office of the Treasurer): www.nashville.gov/departments/finance/division-accounts/collections/pay-short-term-rental-property-occupancy-tax
• Adjacent Property Owner Notification: www.nashville.gov/departments/codes/short-term-rentals/apply-short-term-rental-property-permit/notify-adjacent-property-owners
• HOA and Contact Information Form (PDF): www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2022-02/STRP-HOA-and-Contact-Info.pdf
• Owner‑Occupied Affidavit (PDF): www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2022-03/STRP-Affidavit-Owner-Occupied.pdf

Operational compliance reminders

• Keep your annual renewal current; operating with an expired permit carries a one‑year bar on new permits.
• Display the permit number or a picture of the permit on each online listing.
• Maintain required insurance coverage at all times.
• Comply with HOA/condo bylaws and covenants; keep documentation confirming STR permission.
• Respond to nuisance complaints promptly (noise, parking, trash) to avoid enforcement action.
• Use the proper channels (hubNashville) for complaints and keep records of communications.

This guide reflects Nashville/Davidson County rules that apply to Antioch. For non‑owner occupied STRs, zoning eligibility in non‑residential areas is the single most critical factor. Investors should verify zoning and HOA permissions before acquisition and prepare a complete, compliant application to avoid delays or denials.