To Fee or Not to Fee—That Is the Question for Airbnb in Nashville

One side of an ongoing debate in Nashville wants to charge a fee for short-term rentals,; the other side wants to ban anything other than owner-occupied short-term rentals entirely.

1 minute read

January 23, 2018, 7:00 AM PST

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Nashville

ESB Professional / Shutterstock

"East Nashville Councilman Scott Davis has proposed amending legislation, BL-937, which is backed by Airbnb and short-term rental hosts, by adding a new $2 fee on to every short-term rental room night," reports Joey Garrison. "Proceeds would go to an entity called the North Nashville Consortium to benefit the construction of affordable housing."

According to Garrison, Davis's proposed Airbnb fee is highly controversial with supporters of another proposed bill, BL-608, "which would phase out short-term rentals in residential neighborhoods that aren’t occupied by owners." Garrison provides more of the detail of the political back and forth regarding the Davis's position, political future, and the short-term rental industry's support for the bill.

Hat tip to Rachel Dovey, who also covers the debate in Nashville and connects it to its precedents in other cities, like Seattle.

Thursday, January 18, 2018 in The Tennessean

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Wastewater pouring out from a pipe.

Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage

Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”

April 13, 2025 - Inside Climate News

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

April 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Blue and white Seattle Link light rail train exiting concrete Downtown Bellevue Tunnel in Bellevue, WA.

Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?

Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.

April 7, 2025 - Todd Litman

Bright car headlights with glare at night.

Blinded by the Light: When Brighter Headlights Decrease Safety

Bright LED headlights can create glare and reduce visibility for other drivers and pedestrians.

45 minutes ago - Vox

Coronavirus Driver

Study Links Covid and Poor Driving

The effects of the virus, including ‘brain fog,’ can make driving more difficult and dangerous.

1 hour ago - Streetsblog USA

Streetcar and bus stopped at station on Market Street in San Francisco with Ferry Building visible in background.

Waymo Gets Permission to Map SF’s Market Street

If allowed to operate on the traffic-restricted street, Waymo’s autonomous taxis would have a leg up over ride-hailing competitors — and counter the city’s efforts to grow bike and pedestrian on the thoroughfare.

April 16 - San Francisco Examiner