Nashville STRP Application Documents

Reviewed October 2026 by Atlas Bedrock.

How the Application Works Now

Metro moved short-term rental property permit applications to a new online process on March 11, 2026. Metro's instructions are direct: follow the steps in order, have every document ready to upload before you start, because the application cannot be saved and finished later, and submit only once. After you submit, correspondence about the application goes by email rather than through a second application.

Metro also warns that scammers have impersonated planning and zoning agencies to collect fraudulent fees. Pay Metro only through Metro's own channels.

What Metro's Not-Owner-Occupied Checklist Includes

Metro's published checklist for a not-owner-occupied permit has listed the following. The current online application controls, so confirm the list there before you assemble your packet.

1. Proof that taxes are paid, including property taxes. Renewals also require proof of room, occupancy and sales taxes.
2. Chain of ownership when the property is held by an LLC, trust or similar entity: articles of organization or other registered documents linking the owner of record to the applicant.
3. A floor plan of the entire dwelling on letter-size paper, showing all rooms, walls, doors, windows and smoke detectors on each floor. For single and two-family dwellings it must be certified by a state-licensed architect, engineer or home inspector.
4. Proof of insurance: fire, hazard and liability coverage with liability limits of at least $1 million per occurrence.
5. A notarized not-owner-occupied affidavit confirming the application information is true and accurate.
6. Proof of notice to adjacent property owners, delivered in person or by certified mail using Metro's template letter.
7. An HOA and contact information statement, required whether or not the property has an HOA.
8. A statement that operating the rental would not violate any HOA agreement, bylaws, condominium agreement, covenants, codes, restrictions or other governing agreement.
9. Responsible party information: name, phone, address and email for a person who lives within 25 miles of the property.

Multifamily buildings with three or more dwellings also require a Fire Marshal inspection. Metro's checklist states that the permit fee is paid after approval.

Owner-Occupied Applications

An owner-occupied permit requires the owner to be a natural person who permanently lives at the property. Metro asks for four documents proving owner occupancy, and the address must match the deed recorded with the Register of Deeds. LLCs, corporations and trusts are not eligible for this permit type.

Points Worth Double-Checking

• The owner name on the application matches the recorded deed exactly, including the entity name if an entity owns the property.
• Entity documents actually connect the owner of record to the person applying.
• The floor plan shows every smoke detector and carries the required certification.
• Neighbor notice went to every adjacent owner by an accepted method, and you kept proof.
• The insurance certificate shows the required liability limit.
• The responsible party lives within 25 miles.
• Every document is scanned, legible and ready before you open the online application.

After Approval

Do not list the property on any rental website until you receive the permit. Once you have it, Metro requires the permit number, or a picture of the permit, on every short-term rental listing.

Before any of this, make sure the property can be permitted at all. Read Before You Buy a Nashville Short-Term Rental.

Sources

• Metro Codes: Short Term Rental Property Permit Types↗ (opens in a new tab)
• Metro Codes: Apply for a Short Term Rental Property Permit↗ (opens in a new tab)
• Metro Codes: Not Owner Occupied STRP application checklist