Thinking about listing your 12 South or Edgehill property as a short-term rental? You’re not alone. These neighborhoods draw steady demand from visitors, but running a legal, low-stress STR in Metro Nashville takes planning. This guide walks you through the essentials: permits, zoning, taxes, safety, and neighborhood expectations, with local tips for 12 South and Edgehill. Let’s dive in.
Know how Nashville regulates STRs
Metro Nashville and Davidson County operate under a consolidated government. Short-term rental rules live in Metro ordinances and are administered by Metro departments. You should verify current requirements using the city’s official resources:
- Review the Metro Code of Ordinances for the legal framework.
- Start permitting questions with the Codes Department’s official short-term rental property page.
- Use the Metro interactive zoning map to check zoning and overlays for your address.
- Confirm tax registrations with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and Metro Finance.
Metro typically distinguishes between owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs, and most operators must register or obtain a permit before hosting. Enforcement generally focuses on unpermitted listings, nuisance complaints, safety issues, and tax noncompliance.
What counts as a short-term rental
In Metro Nashville, STRs are generally stays under 30 days. Your obligations can vary based on whether the home is your primary residence, your building type, and your zoning. Before you list, confirm your classification and what your zoning allows using the Metro Code of Ordinances and the Codes Department’s STR page.
Start with zoning and overlays
Zoning dictates what kind of STR activity is allowed. 12 South and Edgehill include single-family, duplex, small multi-family, and commercial corridors, so rules can change block by block. Historic overlays and neighborhood conservation overlays may add more restrictions.
- Look up your parcel on the Metro interactive zoning map.
- Note your primary zoning and any overlays. If you are adjacent to institutional areas near Vanderbilt, check for special district rules that could affect your property.
- If you are in a condo or multi-family building, there may be building-specific limits even if zoning allows STRs.
Owner-occupied vs non-owner-occupied
Metro commonly applies different permission pathways to primary residences versus investment properties. Owner-occupied properties often have different requirements and may face fewer restrictions in more residential zones. Non-owner-occupied STRs are typically more limited and may be prohibited in some zoning districts.
Confirm your category and the applicable path on the Codes Department’s STR page, and review definitions in the Metro Code of Ordinances.
Registration and permits
Most hosts must register or obtain a permit before advertising or booking. Expect to provide basic details and attest to safety measures.
Common submission items include:
- Property address and owner information
- A 24-7 local contact or management company
- Proof of primary residence if applying as owner-occupied
- Payment of the registration or permit fee
Metro typically requires you to display your permit or registration number in your listing and on site. Start with the official short-term rental property page for the latest application steps and renewal timelines.
Taxes and business setup
Short-term rental income usually triggers state and local taxes. In Tennessee, you should expect state sales tax and local hotel or transient occupancy taxes to apply. Platforms may collect some taxes for you, but you remain responsible for registering and remitting correctly.
- Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state tax accounts and filing guidance.
- Review Metro Finance resources for local remittance and deadlines. See Treasury’s page for hotel occupancy tax guidance.
- Depending on your setup, you may also need a local business tax account.
Keep clean records of returns, payments, and filings. Late or missing payments can result in penalties.
Safety and occupancy basics
Safety requirements are a core part of STR compliance. Plan to self-certify or be inspected, depending on Metro’s current process.
What to prepare before hosting:
- Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in required areas
- At least one accessible fire extinguisher
- Proper egress from sleeping rooms
- Clearly posted emergency instructions and the property address
- A conservative occupancy limit aligned with code and your home’s layout
Document these items and update your guest binder regularly.
Noise, parking, and trash in 12 South and Edgehill
These walkable neighborhoods are popular with visitors and residents. Parking is tight, and noise carries. You will reduce risk by setting clear expectations and responding quickly to concerns.
- Quiet hours and no-party rules should be front and center in your listing and house manual.
- Provide precise parking instructions and limit vehicle count. If your block has permit parking, point guests to off-street options. Learn more about the city’s residential permit parking program.
- Spell out trash and recycling days and where to place bins.
A fast response to issues protects your permit and your neighbor relationships.
Posting and listing requirements
Many cities, including Nashville, require the STR registration or permit number on every online listing and on site in a welcome binder. Hosts typically must show a 24-7 local contact and house rules in the listing. If your building or HOA has extra requirements, include those as well.
Renewals, fees, and penalties
Expect recurring fees for renewals. Fees and deadlines may change, so calendar your renewal dates and keep documents handy. Penalties often escalate from warnings to fines to suspension or revocation for repeat violations. When in doubt, consult the Metro Code of Ordinances and the Codes Department.
Step-by-step checklist for owners
Follow this sequence to reduce risk and launch smoothly:
- Verify zoning and overlays
- Search your address on the Metro interactive zoning map and note zoning, overlays, and special districts.
- Review HOA, condo, or lease rules
- Confirm whether your CC&Rs or bylaws allow STRs. Private rules can prohibit STRs even if Metro allows them.
- Confirm your STR category
- Determine whether you qualify as owner-occupied or non-owner-occupied. Rules and fees differ.
- Register or apply for your permit
- Use the Codes Department’s STR page. Gather ID, proof of ownership or primary residence, local contact, and safety attestations.
- Register for taxes
- Set up accounts with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and review Metro Finance requirements for local occupancy taxes.
- Prepare the property for safety compliance
- Install and test detectors, confirm egress, mount a fire extinguisher, post emergency instructions, and prepare a guest binder.
- Set your 24-7 local contact and response plan
- Designate a person or manager who can resolve complaints promptly and keep a log of any incidents.
- Update your listings and post your permit number
- Add your permit number and house rules to every listing. Include quiet hours, parking limits, and trash guidance.
- Maintain records and schedule renewals
- Keep digital copies of permits, inspections, taxes, and complaint responses. Calendar renewal deadlines and filing dates.
Local scenarios to consider
Owner-occupied bungalow near 12th Ave S: If you live on site and rent a portion of your home, you will likely follow the owner-occupied path. Set firm quiet hours and limit parking to your driveway to reduce neighbor impact.
Condo on a mixed-use corridor: Even if zoning allows STRs, your condo bylaws may prohibit them. Confirm CC&Rs before you apply.
Duplex in a permit-parking zone: Make it clear that guest vehicles must fit in your off-street spaces. Share the city’s residential permit parking program overview in your guest guide so expectations are clear.
The bottom line for 12 South and Edgehill
Operating a short-term rental here can work well if you respect the neighborhood, follow Metro’s process, and keep communication open with neighbors. Verify zoning, secure the right permit, collect and remit taxes, meet safety standards, and respond quickly to any concerns. When you lead with clear rules and thoughtful hosting, you protect your permit and your reputation.
If you want tailored guidance before you list, or you are weighing STR potential in a purchase decision, let’s talk about your specific address, zoning, and goals. Begin a private consultation with Unknown Company to map out a compliant, guest-ready plan.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to rent my 12 South or Edgehill home short term?
- Yes, most operators must register or obtain a permit with Metro before hosting. Start with the official short-term rental property page for current steps.
How do I check if my zoning allows STRs near 12 South or Edgehill?
- Look up your address on the Metro interactive zoning map and review any overlays. Then confirm rules in the Metro Code of Ordinances.
What taxes apply to a Nashville STR?
- Expect state sales tax and local hotel or transient occupancy taxes. Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and review Metro’s hotel occupancy tax guidance.
Can I operate a short-term rental in a condo building by 12 South?
- Possibly, but many HOAs prohibit or restrict STRs. Check your CC&Rs and bylaws even if zoning permits STR use.
What happens if neighbors complain about noise or parking?
- Metro enforcement can investigate and impose fines or suspend permits for repeat violations. A 24-7 local contact and clear house rules help resolve issues quickly.
Are there occupancy limits for STRs in Nashville?
- Yes, occupancy is typically limited by code and bedroom count or square footage. Set conservative limits and verify current rules in the Metro Code of Ordinances.
