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Murfreesboro

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Murfreesboro, TN

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STR Regulations for Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Murfreesboro, TN?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Murfreesboro, TN. The city has no specific mention of STR restrictions in its code of ordinances, and the market currently supports approximately 162 active STR listings with an average monthly revenue of $1,945. While the city does not have explicit STR regulations, operators must comply with state and county tax requirements and obtain necessary business licenses.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Murfreesboro?

Murfreesboro hosts earn a median $29,658/year with $158 ADR and 63% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $41,119+ per year.

See the full Murfreesboro market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Murfreesboro

Step 1: Business License Acquisition

  1. County Business License: Required through Rutherford County Clerk's office ($15 fee)
  2. City Business License: Required through the applicable city (Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Eagleville) ($15 fee)
  3. State Registration: Obtain sales tax certificate from Tennessee Department of Revenue

Step 2: Tax Registration and Compliance

  1. Register for sales tax collection with Tennessee Department of Revenue
  2. Set up systems to collect and remit required taxes monthly/quarterly
  3. Implement occupancy tax collection (5% to county and city)

Step 3: Property Preparation

  1. Ensure property meets safety requirements (smoke alarms, CO detectors)
  2. Consider zoning compliance and neighborhood compatibility
  3. Prepare property for guest registration and check-in processes

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Mandatory Licenses and Registrations:

  • Rutherford County Business License ($15)
  • City Business License ($15) - apply to your specific city
  • Tennessee Sales Tax Certificate (free through state registration)
  • Business Tax Registration (for gross receipts reporting)

Tax Obligations:

  • Business Tax: Paid yearly on gross receipts to State of Tennessee
  • Sales Tax: 7% state + applicable local rates, paid quarterly
  • Occupancy Tax: 5% paid monthly to county and city based on monthly gross receipts

Safety Compliance:

  • Smoke alarms in every sleeping room
  • Carbon monoxide alarms within 10 feet of sleeping rooms (if fossil-fuel-burning appliances present)
  • Property maintenance responsibilities
  • Guest safety protocols

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

State Level (Tennessee):

  • Definition: STRs are residential dwellings rented for less than 30 continuous days
  • State Sales Tax: 7% on rentals under 90 consecutive days
  • Hotel Tax: 1% additional for whole-house rentals (8% total)
  • Registration: Required through Tennessee Department of Revenue
  • Safety Code: Tennessee Code § 68-120-112 mandates smoke alarms and CO detectors
  • No State License Required: Only tax registration and local business licenses

County Level (Rutherford County):

  • Occupancy Tax: 5% monthly on gross receipts
  • Business License: Required through County Clerk
  • Reporting: Monthly occupancy tax remittance required
  • Compliance: County handles business license processing

City Level (Murfreesboro/Smyrna/Eagleville):

  • No Specific STR Ordinances: City code does not contain specific STR regulations
  • City Business License: Required ($15)
  • City Occupancy Tax: 5% monthly on gross receipts
  • Zoning: Generally permissive, subject to standard residential zoning
  • Permitting: No STR-specific permits required

Local Authority Contact Information

Primary Authority - County Clerk:

Lisa Duke Crowell, County Clerk

  • Main Office: 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
  • Online Application: www.tncountyclerk.com

Additional Offices:

Blackman Office

  • 3906 Blaze Dr, Suite A, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
  • Phone: (615) 898-7995
  • Hours: 8AM-4PM Monday-Thursday, 8AM-5PM Friday

Smyrna Office

  • 205 I St, Smyrna, TN 37167
  • Phone: (615) 459-9692
  • Fax: (615) 355-4118
  • Hours: 8AM-4PM Monday-Thursday, 8AM-5PM Friday

Eagleville Office

  • Eagleville City Hall, 108 S Main St, Eagleville, TN 37060
  • Phone: (615) 849-0330
  • Hours: First working day of each week, 8AM-4PM (closed 12PM-1PM for lunch)

State Tax Authority:

Tennessee Department of Revenue

  • Online Portal: Available for sales tax registration
  • Processing Time: Approximately 10 business days
  • Website: tncountyclerk.com (for business license applications)

Source Links

Market Performance Data

Current Market Metrics (2021 Data):

  • Active Listings: 162
  • Average Daily Rate: $138
  • Average Occupancy Rate: 61%
  • Average Monthly Revenue: $1,945
  • Market Rating: Neutral

Real Estate Context:

  • Median Sale Price: $247,700
  • 4-Bedroom Rental Index: $1,995
  • Market Appreciation: 6.85% (12 months), 17.45% (2 years), 47.9% (5 years)
  • Average Market Rent: $1,584

This regulatory environment presents a relatively accessible market for STR investors, with straightforward licensing requirements and no restrictive local ordinances, though operators must maintain diligent tax compliance and safety standards.

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Murfreesboro

Market Saturation Score

036912
High Saturation
8/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
8–10 declining months: high saturation - supply likely outpacing demand.
View Full Murfreesboro Market Analysis

Photos of Murfreesboro

Overview of Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro sits in Rutherford County in Middle Tennessee, serving as the county seat and the geographic and economic heart of the rapidly growing suburbs southeast of Nashville. With a population of roughly 160,000, it is among the largest cities in the state, blending college-town energy, preserved Civil War history, and the suburban expansion spilling out of the Nashville metro. Home to Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro has a youthful, energetic feel that contrasts with its antebellum-era streets and the rolling Tennessee countryside surrounding it. It lies about 35 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, making it a popular residential and commuter hub while retaining its own distinct identity.

Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of the Battle of Stones River, a pivotal early-1863 engagement in the American Civil War. The park features walking trails through preserved earthworks, a national cemetery, and a visitor center with interpretive exhibits, all within the city limits just north of downtown. The battlefield offers a quiet, reflective experience that contrasts with the bustle of modern Murfreesboro and draws Civil War enthusiasts from across the country.

Downtown Murfreesboro centers on the historic public square, where the county courthouse anchors a walkable district of locally owned restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, and the occasional live-music venue. The square hosts farmers markets and community events throughout the year, and it remains the social heart of the city, drawing students from the nearby university and families from surrounding neighborhoods. Evenings and weekends bring a steady hum of activity that gives the area a small-town feel despite the city's size.

For outdoor recreation, Percy Priest Lake lies just minutes north of the city, offering boating, fishing, swimming beaches, and lakeside camping across thousands of acres of water threaded by the Stones River. The lake's several marinas and day-use areas make it a go-to escape for residents and visitors looking to trade urban activity for a quiet afternoon on the water, and it adds a meaningful natural amenity to a market that is otherwise defined by its urban and historic offerings.

For short-term rental investors and travelers alike, Murfreesboro offers an appealing combination of affordability relative to Nashville, a steady calendar of university-related and event-driven demand, and access to both Civil War heritage sites and the outdoor recreation of Middle Tennessee. Its position between Nashville and the broader region makes it a flexible base for guests exploring the area, attending university events, or simply enjoying a slower-paced Tennessee stay, and its continued growth suggests sustained interest in lodging options that offer a bit more space and local flavor than a typical hotel.

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