Houston vs Nashville
Texas Legal with Permit | Tennessee Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Nashville, Tennessee |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $313 permit fee |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 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 non-compliance | $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations |
| Verdict | Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Houston, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $90 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for 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
Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Houston Overview
Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.
Full Houston 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 Houston or Nashville?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Nashville is "Legal but Limited." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $313 permit fee in Nashville.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Nashville?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), 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?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Nashville: $50/day for operating without permit; civil penalties up to $500,000 for repeated violations.