🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Murfreesboro, TN
STRs in the Spotlight: Murfreesboro Kicks Off Early Talks on Rental Rules
A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates — Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.
STRs in the Spotlight: Murfreesboro Kicks Off Early Talks on Rental Rules
The short-term rental scene in Murfreesboro might be heading for a policy shake-up.
On May 8, city leaders began early-stage discussions about how to better regulate STR properties popping up across town. The motivation? Protect the community, and make sure city finances aren’t falling through the cracks.
City Attorney Joseph Leonard told the council that new rules could help reduce complaints from neighbors, improve public safety, and secure the city’s share of STR-related tax revenue. While still in the early research phase, Leonard outlined some of the strategies being considered such as licensing requirements and application fees.
“Having a framework in place gives the city leverage to address concerns from residents,” Leonard noted, while also underscoring how regulation would help ensure STR operators are contributing their fair share in taxes.
Local STR owner Dr. David Barnes was quick to weigh in on the potential impact of fees. Barnes runs Charlotte’s Cottage and described how STR hosting isn’t the money-maker people might assume. Guests already face charges north of $600 for a weekend stay, after taxes, platform fees, and a modest cleaning fee. Even so, Barnes says he only started turning a profit after nearly six months.
“Depending on what it is, it could kill the business,” he said of new city fees. “We’d either take a loss or raise prices.”
At this point, no regulations have been formally proposed or passed. The council is simply laying the groundwork with legal guidance and brainstorming. But the direction is clear—STRs in Murfreesboro are on the city’s radar, and more updates could be on the horizon.
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