Knoxville, Tennessee Short-Term Rental Market Overview
Visitor Profile
Knoxville, Tennessee, attracts a diverse range of visitors, primarily those seeking authentic Southern charm combined with outdoor adventure and cultural enrichment. Tourists often come to experience the scenic beauty of the nearby Great Smoky Mountains, explore vibrant downtown districts, and enjoy live music and local cuisine. Families, outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and art lovers are among the typical visitor avatars, each valuing the city’s historic sites, outdoor trails, and lively entertainment scene. A key attraction that epitomizes Knoxville’s rich cultural landscape is the Knoxville Museum of Art, which draws visitors interested in renowned art collections and engaging exhibitions, helping guests connect with the city’s creative spirit.
Top Attractions
Discover Knoxville, TN – a city teeming with engaging attractions and rich cultural heritage. One of its main highlights is Zoo Knoxville, a premier zoological park that plays a vital role in wildlife conservation while providing visitors with a memorable experience. Beyond the zoo, visitors can explore Knoxville’s vibrant downtown area, centered around Market Square, which boasts lively festivals, unique shops, and excellent restaurants. The historic Mabry-Hazen House offers a glimpse into the city’s Civil War history, while the Tennessee River provides scenic opportunities for cruises and water activities.
Knoxville also enchants outdoor enthusiasts with the Urban Wilderness, a vast natural area perfect for hiking, biking, and outdoor adventures. The iconic Sunsphere from the 1982 World’s Fair remains a symbol of the city and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. With its blend of cultural landmarks, outdoor activities, and welcoming southern charm, Knoxville makes for an enticing destination that combines history, nature, and lively city life in one unforgettable experience.
Regulations
Knoxville, Tennessee, has established a regulatory framework for short-term rentals (STRs) that requires hosts to comply with city ordinances designed to ensure safety, neighborhood integrity, and proper taxation. Hosts should expect to navigate licensing requirements, zoning restrictions, occupancy limits, and tax obligations as part of legally operating an STR in the city. These rules also often encompass operational standards such as noise control and advertising accuracy, aiming to balance the interests of homeowners, guests, and local communities.
### Key Regulatory Considerations:
– Licensing and Permits: Hosts must obtain a short-term rental permit/license from the City of Knoxville. This involves an application process typically overseen by the city’s office of permits or code enforcement. Renewals and inspections may be part of maintaining the license.
– Primary Residence Requirement: Knoxville generally requires the STR property to be the host’s primary residence. There may be limits on the number of days an STR can be rented if it is not the primary residence, or hosts might need to be present during the rental.
– Zoning and Location: STRs are subject to zoning restrictions that define where such rentals may operate. Certain residential zones may be excluded, or there may be limits on the density of STRs in a specific neighborhood.
– Occupancy, Health & Safety: Regulations likely specify maximum occupancy limits based on the size and configuration of the rental property. Safety measures such as smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, fire extinguishers, and egress requirements must be met.
– Tax Obligations: Hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting transient occupancy taxes and possibly other local taxes. Registration with tax authorities ensures compliance with reporting and payment standards.
– Operational Standards & Enforcement: Rules may govern acceptable noise levels, guest behavior, parking, trash disposal, and advertising accuracy. Violations can lead to fines, license suspension, or revocation.
For the most current and legally binding information, property owners should consult the City of Knoxville’s Official STR Regulations Page or contact relevant local government departments directly to confirm specific requirements and obtain application materials.
Knoxville, Tennessee Market Performance Trends
Knoxville, Tennessee Rental Market Insights
10-Year Market Growth
Growth chart data is not available for this location.
Booking Activity
- 1-3 Months:61.3% Booked
- 4-6 Months:60.5% Booked
- 7-9 Months:48% Booked
- 10-12 Months:7.2% Booked
Cancellation Policies
- Flexible:36.5%
- Moderate:32.9%
- Strict:28.5%
- Super Strict:28.5%
- N/A:1.8%
Minimum Stay
- 1 Day:522
- 2 Days:344
- 3 Days:79
- 4-6 Days:33
- 7-29 Days:42
- 30+ Days:106
