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Smyrna

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Smyrna, TN

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STR Regulations for Smyrna, Tennessee

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

Short-term rentals are PROHIBITED in Smyrna, TN. The Town of Smyrna has explicitly banned all short-term rentals of single detached dwellings or portions thereof for periods less than three months. This restriction is codified in the Town's Municipal Zoning Ordinance and is actively enforced.

Key Restriction: No rental periods shorter than 90 days (3 months) are permitted for single detached dwellings or portions thereof.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Smyrna?

Smyrna hosts earn a median $31,803/year with $149 ADR and 71% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $38,989+ per year.

See the full Smyrna market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in This Market

Important: Given the current legal restrictions, starting a traditional short-term rental business in Smyrna is not legally viable. However, if you're committed to operating in this market, consider these alternatives:

  1. Long-term Rental Strategy: Convert your property to traditional long-term rentals (90+ day minimum stays)
  2. Alternative Markets: Consider nearby municipalities with more favorable STR regulations
  3. Regulatory Monitoring: Stay informed about potential future ordinance changes by monitoring Town Council meetings and Planning & Zoning communications

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

While traditional STRs are prohibited, if operating a long-term rental business in Smyrna, you would need:

Business Licenses

  • Rutherford County Business License: $15.00 (can be applied for online at www.tncountyclerk.com or by calling 615-898-7800, ext. 2)
  • Town of Smyrna Business License: $15.00 (contact Smyrna Town Clerk)

Tax Obligations (If Operating Any Rental Business)

  • Business Tax: Paid yearly on gross receipts to the State of Tennessee
  • Sales Tax: Local and state taxes paid quarterly to the State of Tennessee
  • Occupancy Tax: 5% of monthly gross receipts, paid monthly to both County and City

Documentation Requirements

  • Lease Agreement: Must be furnished upon request by the Town
  • Property Documentation: Ownership verification and zoning compliance
  • Insurance: Comprehensive liability coverage recommended

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Town of Smyrna Municipal Regulations

  • Minimum Stay Requirement: 90 days (3 months) minimum for all single detached dwellings
  • Enforcement: Violations result in citations after proper notification from the Town
  • Documentation: Property owner-tenant agreements must be available upon request
  • Zoning Compliance: All rentals must comply with underlying zoning classifications

Rutherford County Requirements

  • Tax Registration: All rental properties subject to business tax, sales tax, and occupancy tax
  • Business License: Required for all rental operations regardless of duration
  • Platform Inclusion: Airbnb, VRBO, and privately operated rentals all subject to same tax requirements

State of Tennessee Context

  • Tennessee state law provides framework for municipal enforcement of STR regulations
  • State law allows municipalities to impose daily fines (typically $50/day) plus court costs for violations

Contact Information

Town of Smyrna - Planning & Zoning (STR Oversight)

Address: 315 South Lowry St, Smyrna, TN 37167
Phone: (615) 459-2553
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Website: www.townofsmyrna.org/departments/planning_zoning/short-term_rentals.php

Rutherford County Clerk's Office (Business Licenses & Taxes)

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

Main Office (Murfreesboro):
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 Services: www.tncountyclerk.com
General Info Line: 615-898-7800, ext. 2

Town of Smyrna - General Information

Phone: (615) 459-2553
Website: www.townofsmyrna.org

Links to Source Pages

  1. Town of Smyrna Official STR Page: www.townofsmyrna.org/departments/planning_zoning/short-term_rentals.php
  2. Rutherford County Rental Tax Information: rutherfordcountytn.gov/rental-tax
  3. Rutherford County Clerk Online Services: www.tncountyclerk.com/
  4. Tennessee County Clerk Portal: www.tncountyclerk.com/
  5. Town of Smyrna Planning & Zoning Department: www.townofsmyrna.org/departments/planning_zoning/

Additional Resources

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available information as of the provided sources. Municipal regulations can change; always verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.

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Smyrna

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Smyrna Market Analysis

Photos of Smyrna

Overview of Smyrna

Smyrna is a growing town in Rutherford County, Tennessee, situated in the southeastern suburbs of the Nashville metropolitan area. With a population of roughly 53,000, it carries the feel of a mid-sized Southern town that has steadily expanded alongside the greater Nashville region. Known locally as a quiet residential community with a strong industrial backbone, Smyrna is perhaps best recognized as the site of Nissan's major North American manufacturing plant and as a convenient base for visitors drawn to nearby Nashville, Murfreesboro, and the many outdoor and historic sites scattered across Middle Tennessee. It sits approximately 25 miles southeast of downtown Nashville, easily reached via Interstate 24, making it a practical alternative for travelers who want Nashville-area access without the bustle of the city itself.

Just minutes west of town, Percy Priest Lake is one of the largest draws in the area. The reservoir, created by a dam on the Stones River and managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, offers boating, fishing, swimming, and lakeside picnicking across numerous public access points and marinas. From central Smyrna, most of its popular launches and recreation areas are within about a 15- to 20-minute drive, making it a frequent weekend escape for both locals and visitors.

A short drive south of Smyrna, the Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of a pivotal late-1862 Civil War engagement fought just outside present-day Murfreesboro. The park, administered by the National Park Service, features a visitor center, walking trails through the original battleground, and a historic farm complex. The site is roughly 15 minutes from Smyrna and is a popular stop for Civil War enthusiasts touring Middle Tennessee.

Within Smyrna itself, the Sam Davis Home offers a glimpse into 19th-century Southern life. The Italianate-style house, once home to the young Confederate scout after whom it is named, sits on a historic plantation property that includes period outbuildings, gardens, and walking paths. It is one of the town's most visited heritage sites and anchors much of the local interest in the area's Civil War-era history.

For travelers, Smyrna works as a comfortable and well-located base. It combines a relaxed, small-town atmosphere with quick highway access to Nashville's music venues, restaurants, and sporting events, while keeping visitors close to the lake, the battlefield, and a string of Middle Tennessee's other regional highlights. That blend of affordability, convenience, and surrounding attractions is what makes the area appealing for short-term rental investment and stay alike.

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