Clarksville Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

What are short term rental (Airbnb, VRBO) regulations in Clarksville, Tennessee?

If you're considering offering your property as a short-term rental in Clarksville, Tennessee, it's essential to understand the local regulations to ensure compliance. Short-term rental regulations in Clarksville apply to dwelling units used for overnight lodging, including part or all of an accessory structure1. To start a short-term rental business in Clarksville, you must follow specific steps and obtain the necessary permits and licenses.

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Clarksville

Starting a short-term rental business in Clarksville, Tennessee, involves several steps and requirements. To ensure compliance with local regulations, follow these guidelines:

• Obtain a permit application: Review the materials in the packet or print all relevant forms from the City of Clarksville website3.
• Complete the application packet: The application has several key components, including the Short Term Rental Unit Permit Operator Application, permit fee payable to the City of Clarksville, and a City and County Business License3.
• Submit the completed application packet: Mail or deliver your completed application packet to the City of Clarksville3.
• Schedule inspections: Once approved, you may need to schedule inspections2.
• Receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number: After the City processes your application, you will receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number2.

To start a short-term rental business in Clarksville, follow these steps:

• Obtain a permit application: Review the materials in the packet or print all relevant forms from the City of Clarksville website3.
• Complete the application packet: The application has several key components, including the Short Term Rental Unit Permit Operator Application, permit fee payable to the City of Clarksville, and a City and County Business License3.
• Submit the completed application packet: Mail or deliver your completed application packet to the City of Clarksville3.
• Schedule inspections: Once approved, you may need to schedule inspections2.
• Receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number: After the City processes your application, you will receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number2.

By following these steps and ensuring compliance with local regulations, you can successfully start a short-term rental business in Clarksville, Tennessee.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Clarksville

In an effort to balance the protection of neighborhoods with the interests of those looking to rent, the City of Clarksville has implemented regulations for short-term rentals, including properties listed and booked through hosting platforms for less than 30 days at a time1.

The ordinance, which was passed in September 2020, requires property owners to apply for an operating permit to list their place as a short-term rental1. This regulation is aimed at addressing issues with unregulated businesses in residential areas1.

To obtain a short-term rental permit in Clarksville, property owners must follow a straightforward process2:

• Obtain permit application: Start by reviewing the materials in the permit application packet available on the City of Clarksville's website or by contacting the Business License & Tax Office2.
• Complete application packet: The application includes key components such as the Short Term Rental Unit Permit Operator Application, permit fee payable to the City of Clarksville, and a City and County Business License2.
• Submit the completed application packet: Ensure all forms are complete and submit them as a complete packet to the City of Clarksville2.
• Receive the permit: Upon approval, a copy of the Short Term Rental Unit Permit will be mailed, and it is valid for one year, unless revoked2.

The City of Clarksville strictly enforces these regulations, and all new short-term rental operators are required to obtain a permit for their properties34. The city council's decision to regulate short-term rentals reflects the growing community's need for a balanced approach to this form of accommodation1.

Compared to other Tennessee cities, Clarksville has relatively strict regulations around short-term rental licensing and taxes4. The city's approach aims to ensure that hosts adhere to the rules to avoid fines or other enforcement actions4.

Required Documents for Clarksville Short Term Rentals

To apply for a short-term rental permit in Clarksville, you need to provide the following documents:

• Completed permit application: Review the materials in the packet or print all relevant forms from the City of Clarksville website3.
• $150 non-refundable application fee: Pay the fee to the City of Clarksville1.
• Proof of ownership or agent authorization: Provide evidence that you own the property or have authorization from the property owner1.
• Site plans and floor plans: Submit detailed plans of the property, including any additional structures1.
• Contact information: Include your name, address, and phone number1.

Once your application is considered complete by the Department of Finance and Revenue, you will receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number5. The permit is valid for one year, unless revoked3.

Clarksville Short Term Rental Taxes

Clarksville, Tennessee, requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit occupancy taxes. As of 2021, the Tennessee Department of Revenue collects these taxes directly rather than the city1. The statewide short-term rental rules also require short-term rental platforms like Airbnb to collect and remit local occupancy taxes1. This applies to all cities in Tennessee, including Clarksville1.

To comply with these regulations, short-term rental hosts in Clarksville should:

• Register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue: Hosts must register with the state department to collect and remit occupancy taxes1.
• Collect occupancy taxes: Hosts should collect occupancy taxes from their guests and remit them to the Tennessee Department of Revenue1.
• Maintain compliance: Hosts must adhere to all applicable taxes, including real and personal property taxes5.

By following these guidelines, short-term rental hosts in Clarksville can ensure compliance with local and state regulations, avoiding potential penalties and fines.

Tennessee Wide Short Term Rental Rules

A 2020 state law in Tennessee requires short term rental platforms like Airbnb to collect and remit local occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts. This applies statewide.

Does Clarksville Strictly Enforce STR Rules?

Yes, Clarksville does strictly enforce short term rental rules. The city requires all hosts to register and obtain permits. Failing to do so can result in fines or other enforcement action. Compared to other Tennessee cities, Clarksville has relatively strict regulations around STR licensing and taxes.However, some hosts reportedly still operate without permits. On sites like BiggerPockets and Reddit, hosts advise proceeding cautiously and evaluating risks vs rewards if renting without a permit. But overall Clarksville is not considered an "Airbnb-friendly" city compared to places with fewer restrictions.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Clarksville

Starting a short-term rental business in Clarksville, Tennessee, involves several steps to ensure compliance with local regulations. Follow these straightforward guidelines to get started:

• Research short-term rental regulations: Familiarize yourself with Clarksville's short-term rental laws, including permit requirements, safety standards, and tax obligations12.
• Obtain a permit application: Review the materials in the permit packet or print all relevant forms from the City of Clarksville website2.
• Complete the application packet: The application has several key components, including the Short Term Rental Unit Permit Operator Application, permit fee payable to the City of Clarksville, and a City and County Business License2.
• Submit the completed application packet: Mail or deliver your completed application packet to the City of Clarksville2.
• Schedule inspections: Once approved, you may need to schedule inspections2.
• Receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number: After the City processes your application, you will receive your Short-Term Residential Rental Registration number2.
• List your property: Register your property on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO to manage and list your short-term rental5.
• Collect lodging taxes and occupancy data: Ensure you collect and remit local occupancy taxes for 20211.
• Renew your permit annually: Short-term rental permits are valid for one year and must be renewed by submitting a renewal application and processing fee of $120 no later than 30 days before the permit expires1.

Who to Contact About Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning

For questions on short term rental rules and permitting in Clarksville, contact:

• Revenue and Finance Department: 931-645-7436
• Building & Codes Department: 931-645-7426
• Planning Commission: 931-645-7448

What Do Airbnb Hosts Think About Local Regulations?

Airbnb hosts in Clarksville have varying opinions about the local regulations. Some hosts find the rules to be strict and challenging to navigate, while others believe the city is generally Airbnb-friendly1. It is essential for hosts to stay informed about the regulations and follow them to avoid penalties4.Hosts on Reddit and Bigger Pockets have shared their experiences and thoughts on the local regulations:

• One host mentioned that they had a negative experience with a guest who left a bad review, calling them "muy sucio" ("very dirty") and stating that they asked "absurd questions"1. This host found the situation overwhelming and annoying, but they stayed since they were only there for half of the time anyway1.
• Another host shared their experience of staying in a short-term rental where the host was on vacation and left them alone with their cat1. The cleaning person came by every three days to feed the cat and clean, but the cat was distressed and made a mess all over the place1. This host found the situation to be quite overwhelming and annoying, but they stayed since they were only there for half of the time anyway1.

Despite these challenges, some hosts continue to operate short-term rentals in Clarksville, even if they face fines for non-compliance4. It is crucial for hosts to stay informed about the regulations and follow them to avoid penalties