Charlotte vs Nashville
North Carolina Legal with Permit | Tennessee Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Charlotte, North Carolina | Nashville, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | Business license required; contact city for current fee | $313 permit fee |
| Tax Rate | ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax) | 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | No limit |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Annual |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for continued non-compliance | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations |
| Verdict | Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Charlotte, North Carolina
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee Business license required; contact city for current fee
Tax Rate ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for continued non-compliance
Nashville, Tennessee
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $313 permit fee
Tax Rate 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations
Charlotte has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Charlotte Overview
Charlotte removed STR-specific zoning regulations from its UDO in April 2022, making it one of NC's most permissive markets. Hosts must still obtain a business license and register for Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax.
Full Charlotte guide →Nashville Overview
Owner-occupied permits allowed in all zones. Non-owner-occupied permits frozen — no new applications accepted in most residential zones since 2015. Existing non-owner permits are non-transferable.
Full Nashville guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Charlotte or Nashville?
Charlotte is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Charlotte's permit fee is Business license required; contact city for current fee compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Charlotte or Nashville?
Charlotte charges ~15.25% combined (7.25% state+local sales + 8% Mecklenburg County room occupancy tax), while Nashville charges 6% Short-Term Rental Property Tax + state/local sales tax. Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Charlotte: $500/day for continued non-compliance. Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations.