Overview

Short-term rentals ARE ALLOWED in La Vergne, TN. However, specific city-level STR regulations are not clearly defined in the available municipal documentation. La Vergne operates under Rutherford County regulations for short-term rental taxation and licensing, with investors required to comply with county and state-level requirements outlined below.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in La Vergne

Step-by-Step Process

1. Secure Proper Zoning and Property Compliance

   • Verify your property is zoned appropriately for short-term rental use
   • Ensure compliance with all La Vergne property maintenance ordinances
   • Confirm adequate off-street parking for guests

2. Obtain Required Business Licenses

   • Apply for Rutherford County Business License ($15)
   • Apply for City of La Vergne Business License ($15)
   • Submit applications to both the County Clerk and City Hall

3. Register for Tax Obligations

   • Register for Tennessee business tax (gross receipts tax)
   • Set up sales tax collection for local and state sales taxes
   • Establish monthly occupancy tax remittance system (5% rate)

4. Operational Setup

   • Designate 24-hour emergency contact availability
   • Ensure compliance with quiet hours (11:00 PM - 7:00 AM per city ordinance)
   • Provide off-street parking for all guests
   • Maintain property in compliance with city property standards

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licenses and Permits

• Rutherford County Business License - $15 annually
• City of La Vergne Business License - $15 annually
• Property Maintenance Compliance - Must meet city standards for grass height (under 1 foot), no trash accumulation, proper swimming pool barriers

Tax Registrations

• Tennessee Business Tax Registration - For gross receipts reporting
• Sales Tax Registration - For local and state sales tax collection
• Occupancy Tax Registration - 5% of monthly gross rental receipts

Documentation Requirements

• Property ownership verification
• Business contact information including 24-hour emergency response capability
• Parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking
• Compliance with property maintenance standards

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of La Vergne (Municipal Level)

Property Standards:

• Grass, weeds, and vegetation cannot exceed 1 foot in height within 100 feet of property lines
• No trash, rubbish, or refuse accumulation creating nuisances
• Premises cannot become filthy or create noxious odors
• Swimming pools must have proper fencing/barriers
• Disabled/inoperative vehicles cannot be parked on property over 2 weeks

Operational Requirements:

• Quiet Hours: 11:00 PM - 7:00 AM (offenses against peace and quiet)
• Parking: No street parking for guests
• Permit Denial: City can deny/revoke permits for non-payment of city fees and taxes
• False Alarm Limits: More than 3 false alarms to police/fire results in fines

Rutherford County (County Level)

Tax Obligations:

• Business Tax: Annual payment based on gross rental receipts
• Sales Tax: Quarterly payments (local + state rates)
• Occupancy Tax: 5% of monthly gross receipts, paid monthly to both county and city

Licensing Requirements:

• Annual business license renewal through County Clerk
• Compliance with all county health and safety regulations

State of Tennessee (State Level)

Tax Requirements:

• Tennessee business tax registration and annual filing
• Sales tax collection and quarterly remittance
• Compliance with Tennessee Department of Revenue requirements

Contact Information

City of La Vergne

Main Office:

• Address: 5093 Murfreesboro Road, La Vergne, TN 37086
• Phone: (615) 793-6295
• Fax: (615) 793-6025
• Website: www.lavergnetn.gov

Codes Department:

• Phone: (615) 213-2624
• Responsible for permits, property maintenance, and zoning compliance

Rutherford County Clerk's Office

County Clerk Lisa Duke Crowell Murfreesboro Main Office:

• Address: 319 N Maple St, Suite 121, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
• Phone: (615) 898-7800
• Fax: (615) 898-7830
• Hours: 8AM-4PM Monday-Thursday, 8AM-5PM Friday

Business License Applications:

• Online: www.tncountyclerk.com
• Phone: (615) 898-7800, ext. 2

Additional County Offices:

• Blackman: (615) 898-7995 - 3906 Blaze Dr, Suite A, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
• Smyrna: (615) 459-9692 - 205 I St, Smyrna, TN 37167
• Eagleville: (615) 849-0330 - 108 S Main St, Eagleville, TN 37060

Source Links

Municipal Resources

• La Vergne Permits & Ordinances: www.lavergnetn.gov/286/Permits-General-Rules-Ordinances
• La Vergne Municipal Code: library.municode.com/tn/la_vergne/codes/code_of_ordinances
• La Vergne Online Permits: lavergnetn-energovpub.tylerhost.net/Apps/SelfService/

County Resources

• Rutherford County STR Tax Information: rutherfordcountytn.gov/rental-tax
• Tennessee County Clerk Business License Portal: www.tncountyclerk.com/
• Rutherford County Building Codes: rutherfordcountytn.gov/building-codes

State Resources

• Tennessee CORE Permitting System: access.cloud.commerce.tn.gov/portal/public
• Tennessee Department of Revenue: www.tn.gov/revenue.html

Important Notes for Investors

1. Regulatory Gaps: La Vergne lacks specific short-term rental ordinances, meaning operations fall under general municipal codes and county/state requirements.

2. Enforcement: City ordinances are actively enforced through Codes Department inspections and citizen complaints.

3. Tax Compliance: All three tax obligations (business, sales, occupancy) must be maintained in good standing to avoid permit denial or revocation.

4. Neighbor Relations: Given the lack of specific STR regulations, maintaining positive neighbor relations is crucial for long-term operational success.

5. Future Regulation: Monitor municipal meetings for potential future STR-specific ordinances, as neighboring counties and cities have implemented more restrictive frameworks.

This guide represents current regulatory requirements as of the provided documentation. Investors should verify current regulations with local authorities before commencing operations.