Franklin TN Short-Term Rental Rules: The 113-Night Limit Explained
Thinking about putting your Franklin home on Airbnb or Vrbo?
Franklin can be a great market for furnished rentals, but the city has some specific rules that homeowners need to understand. One of the most important is the 113-night short-term rental limit that applies to certain properties.
It sounds complicated, but it really isn't. Here's what Franklin homeowners need to know.
What Counts as a Short-Term Rental in Franklin?
The City of Franklin considers a rental a Short-Term Vacation Rental (STVR) when the entire home is rented for less than 21 days at a time.
So, for example:
A weekend Airbnb stay counts as a short-term rental.
A 7-night stay counts.
A 14-night stay counts.
A stay of 21 days or longer does not fall under Franklin's definition of an STVR.
That 21-day distinction is important when deciding how to manage a furnished rental in Franklin.
What Is the 113-Night Rule?
For certain owner-occupied properties in Franklin, the home can be rented short-term for a maximum of 113 nights during a rolling 12-month period.
In simple terms, you may not be able to operate your Franklin home as a traditional Airbnb 365 days a year.
It's also important to understand that this is a rolling 12-month period, rather than simply January through December.
That means owners need to keep track of how many qualifying short-term rental nights they use throughout the year.
Does the 113-Night Limit Apply to Every Franklin Airbnb?
No.
This is where Franklin's rules can get a little more complicated.
The 113-night restriction applies to certain property setups. Franklin's rules also address properties with accessory dwellings differently.
For example, if a property has both a main house and an accessory dwelling, the rules may allow the owner to live in one while operating the other as a short-term rental.
Because every property can be different, it's important to confirm your property's eligibility with the City of Franklin rather than assuming the 113-night rule applies—or doesn't apply—to your home.
What About Stays of 21 Days or Longer?
This is where longer furnished stays can become an interesting option for Franklin homeowners.
Because Franklin defines a Short-Term Vacation Rental as a rental of less than 21 days, some homeowners may consider combining short-term rentals with longer furnished stays.
For example, a property could potentially attract:
Families relocating to Franklin
People building or renovating a home
Corporate travelers
Traveling professionals
Families between home closings
Extended visitors to the Franklin area
Families temporarily displaced from their homes because of an insurance claim, such as fire, water or storm damage
This is often called a hybrid rental strategy—combining short-term and mid-term stays throughout the year.
The right approach depends on the individual property and its applicable rules, so homeowners should always confirm their specific situation with the City before deciding on a rental strategy.
Why the 113-Night Limit Makes Pricing Important
If your Franklin property is limited to 113 short-term rental nights, you don't necessarily want to use those nights randomly.
Not every night has the same value.
A Friday night during a busy Franklin weekend could be worth considerably more than a Tuesday night during a slow period.
That's why we believe Franklin properties need a more thoughtful strategy than simply keeping the Airbnb calendar open all year.
Good pricing and calendar management can help focus short-term availability around periods of stronger demand while longer furnished stays may make sense during other parts of the year.
The goal isn't necessarily to get the most bookings.
It's to make the best use of your property throughout the year.
Do You Need a Permit for Airbnb in Franklin?
Yes. Short-Term Vacation Rentals in Franklin are regulated by the City, and property owners need to go through the City's approval process before operating an STVR.
Before buying a property specifically for Airbnb—or listing your current home—we recommend checking directly with the City of Franklin to make sure the property qualifies and to understand the current requirements.
Rules can change, and HOA restrictions may also apply separately from City regulations.
What If a Property Already Has an Older STR Permit?
Some Franklin properties have been operating as short-term rentals since before today's regulations were adopted.
Those properties can be subject to different rules, but you should never assume that an older or “grandfathered” STR status automatically transfers to a new owner.
If you're considering purchasing a property because it already operates as an Airbnb, verify its status directly with the City before making your decision.
Is Airbnb Still Worth It in Franklin?
It can be.
Franklin continues to attract visitors for weddings, events, business travel, family visits and vacations, and furnished rentals can be a great fit for the market.
But Franklin isn't necessarily a place where every property should simply be listed on Airbnb 365 days a year.
Local regulations make the strategy more important.
For some properties, short-term rentals may be the best option. For others, mid-term rentals may make more sense. And for some, a combination of the two can be worth exploring.
That's why understanding the property and the local rules should come before deciding how to rent it.
Need Help Managing a Furnished Rental in Franklin?
At HomeLuv Hosting, we specialize in local short-term and mid-term rental management in Franklin and the surrounding area.
We handle the day-to-day work of managing a furnished rental, including listing management, pricing, guest communication, cleaning coordination, property oversight and maintenance coordination.
More importantly, we understand that Franklin isn't a one-size-fits-all rental market.
We help owners develop a rental strategy around their individual property, seasonality, demand and the local rules—whether that means short-term stays, mid-term stays or a combination of both.
Thinking about renting your Franklin property? Contact HomeLuv Hosting and let's talk about what strategy could make sense for your home.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Franklin's short-term rental regulations can change, and requirements can vary depending on the property. Always confirm current rules and your property's eligibility directly with the City of Franklin.
