Staying in a cozy cabin in Sevierville or a chalet in Gatlinburg for vacation is one of life’s great pleasures. But for property owners who rent out their vacation homes, and for guests staying in them, there are legal and regulatory issues to navigate—especially now that Sevier County has updated rules around short-term rentals. If you own or manage a vacation or cabin rental in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Wears Valley or nearby, understanding those rules can protect your investment—and save you from headaches down the road.
Sevier County’s Short-Term Rental Permit Program
Sevier County now requires all short-term rental units (STRUs) outside city limits to have an annual permit and pass yearly inspections. The Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program ensures safety standards—fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, escape routes, electrical safety, smoke detectors—all are up to code. If you rent a cabin, condo, or other property to vacationers, you need to apply via Sevier County’s system (CommunityConnect), schedule inspections, pay permit fees (which vary depending on capacity), and stay compliant every year. Failure to do so can result in fines or loss of rental privileges. (For full details, see the county’s permit info page.) seviercountytn.gov
Over 6,500 such units are currently operating, which means compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential. seviercountytn.gov
What Owners Often Overlook
Even owners who know about the permit often underestimate what an inspection or permit renewal entails. Some common pitfalls include:
- Not installing required safety items (e.g. fire extinguishers, proper alarms).
- Overlooking occupancy thresholds (units sleeping more than 12 people have different fees and inspection criteria).
- Failing to keep records or documentation needed for renewal.
- Managing multiple units but forgetting to file separate permits for each property.
These oversights can lead to delays, failed inspections, or even legal consequences.
How a Local Attorney Can Be Your Guide
When laws change, or you’re trying to get your vacation rental or cabin rental up to code, having legal guidance can make a big difference. A local attorney who understands Sevier County’s STRU permit program can help you:
- Interpret the county’s requirements and ensure you’re applying under the correct category.
- Prepare your property so that inspections pass (knowing what to fix, when to upgrade).
- Deal with billing, renewals, or appeals if a permit is denied or penalties are levied.
- Draft or review rental agreements, host agreements, or lease documents to ensure they protect you legally (guest safety, liability, insurance).
At Champagne Law Firm, with offices in Sevierville, as well as Nashville and Rogersville, we help owners throughout East Tennessee get ahead of regulatory changes—so you’re compliant, you minimize risk, and you preserve your rental income.
A Practical First Step
If you own a cabin rental or vacation property in the Smokies:
- Check whether your unit is inside city limits or in unincorporated Sevier County. The permit requirement applies outside city limits. seviercountytn.gov
- Visit Sevier County’s Short-Term Rental Unit Permit Program information page for the application form, fees, and inspection checklist. seviercountytn.gov
- Make sure all safety features are in working order: alarms, escape routes, electrical safety.
- Consult an attorney before listing property or managing guests—especially if this is your first time doing short-term rentals or if you have more than one property.
If you have questions about navigating the permit process for your vacation rental or cabin, or if you want to make sure your guest contract, liability coverage, or property management agreement is legally solid, Champagne Law Firm is here to help. Call 865-228-8080 or reach out online to schedule a consultation—and make sure your rental business in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Wears Valley or Sevierville is built on firm ground.
