Is Bartlett, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Bartlett, Tennessee, begin by researching local regulations as Bartlett requires short-term rental operators to obtain a business license from the City Clerk's office and comply with zoning ordinances that typically allow short-term rentals in residential areas with certain restrictions. Contact Bartlett's Planning and Development Department at (901) 385-6400 to verify zoning compliance for your specific property address, then apply for a business license through the City Clerk's office which costs approximately $50-100 annually. Find a suitable property by searching areas near popular attractions like the Bartlett Recreation Center or close to Memphis attractions since many guests use Bartlett as a suburban base, ensuring the property meets safety requirements including smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers as mandated by Tennessee state law. Furnish the space with quality basics including comfortable bedding, kitchen essentials, WiFi, and local guidebooks featuring nearby Shelby Farms Park and Memphis attractions. Create your Airbnb listing with professional photos highlighting the property's proximity to Memphis (about 20 minutes) and Bartlett's family-friendly amenities, setting competitive rates based on comparable properties in the $75-150 per night range typical for the area. Manage the property by establishing check-in procedures, maintaining cleanliness standards, responding promptly to guest inquiries, and ensuring compliance with Tennessee's 9.25% state sales tax plus local occupancy taxes that must be collected and remitted to the Tennessee Department of Revenue, while also considering property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa if you prefer hands-off management.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Bartlett, Tennessee, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Memphis attractions like Beale Street and Graceland, prioritizing neighborhoods near major highways like I-40 and Highway 64 for easy airport access. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes built after 1990 with modern amenities, pools, and parking, as these attract families visiting Memphis who prefer suburban stays over downtown hotels. Conduct pricing analysis using AirDNA and Mashvisor to identify properties where potential STR revenue exceeds long-term rental income by 40-60%, typically finding sweet spots in the $200,000-$350,000 purchase range that can command $120-180 nightly rates. Research competition by analyzing existing Airbnb and VRBO listings within 3-mile radius, identifying gaps in amenities or underserved areas, while monitoring occupancy rates through tools like AllTheRooms and STR analytics platforms. Utilize Bartlett-specific resources including the Memphis Area Association of Realtors MLS data, local property management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa for market insights, and connect with Bartlett's planning department to understand zoning regulations, as the city generally allows STRs in residential areas with proper permits and registration.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Bartlett, Tennessee, you must first contact the Bartlett Planning and Development Department at City Hall located at 6400 Stage Road to determine current zoning compliance, as short-term rentals may only be permitted in certain residential zones with conditional use permits. Submit an application to the Planning Commission including a completed conditional use permit application, property survey, site plan showing parking arrangements, proof of property ownership or lease agreement, Tennessee business license, liability insurance documentation (minimum $1 million coverage), and a detailed operational plan addressing noise control, occupancy limits, and property management procedures. The application fee typically ranges from $200-500 for the conditional use permit, plus additional fees for inspections and business licensing that may total $100-300. The process generally takes 60-90 days as applications must be reviewed by city staff, presented to the Planning Commission during their monthly meeting, and may require a public hearing if neighboring properties object. Specific Bartlett requirements include maintaining off-street parking for each rental unit, ensuring the property meets all building and fire codes, displaying the permit number in all advertising, and adhering to occupancy limits based on bedroom count and septic system capacity for properties not connected to city sewer.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Bartlett, Tennessee, but the city has implemented specific regulations to manage their operation within residential neighborhoods. As of 2023, Bartlett requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that generally limit short-term rentals to certain residential districts while prohibiting them in some single-family residential areas to preserve neighborhood character. The city has established occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances that STR properties must follow, with violations subject to fines and potential license revocation. Property owners must also ensure their rentals meet safety standards and maintain contact information for a responsible party available 24/7 to address any issues. Recent changes have included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer guidelines for permit applications, reflecting the city's effort to balance tourism revenue with resident concerns about neighborhood disruption and housing availability.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Bartlett, Tennessee include the neighborhoods near Shelby Farms Park, which attract outdoor enthusiasts and families visiting the 4,500-acre park for recreational activities, and properties close to the Stage Road corridor, which benefits from proximity to major retail centers and easy highway access for business travelers commuting to Memphis. The Appling area offers excellent potential due to its upscale residential character and proximity to quality schools, making it attractive for extended-stay guests and relocating families. Areas near Davies Plantation and the historic Bartlett Station Museum draw heritage tourists and visitors interested in local history. Properties within walking distance of the Bartlett Recreation Center and municipal facilities see steady demand from sports tournament participants and their families. The neighborhoods around Corporate Boulevard and other commercial districts serve business travelers working with companies like FedEx logistics operations in the greater Memphis area, while areas near Wolfchase Galleria shopping center attract retail tourists and conference attendees from nearby hotels who prefer residential accommodations.

Airbnb properties in Bartlett, Tennessee are subject to multiple lodging taxes including Tennessee's state hotel occupancy tax of 7%, Shelby County's hotel/motel tax of 6%, and potentially Bartlett's local hotel/motel tax of approximately 5%, resulting in a combined rate of around 18% on short-term rental stays. These taxes are typically collected automatically by Airbnb through their tax collection service for most jurisdictions and remitted directly to the appropriate tax authorities on behalf of hosts, though hosts should verify their specific obligations with local tax offices. The Tennessee Department of Revenue requires registration and monthly remittance by the 20th of the following month for any taxes not collected by platforms, while Shelby County and Bartlett have similar registration requirements with monthly or quarterly filing schedules depending on volume. Exemptions generally apply to stays exceeding 30 consecutive days, government employees on official business, and certain nonprofit organizations, though documentation may be required. Hosts operating without platform collection must obtain proper permits, collect taxes from guests, maintain detailed records, and file returns with the Tennessee Department of Revenue, Shelby County, and the City of Bartlett according to their respective schedules and requirements.

Starting an Airbnb in Bartlett, Tennessee requires approximately $280,000-$320,000 in total initial investment. Property purchase costs around $220,000-$250,000 based on median home prices in the area as of 2023-2024. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor to create an attractive rental space. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and marketing materials average $2,000-$3,000. Permits and fees in Bartlett include business license ($50-$100), short-term rental permit ($200-$500), and potential HOA approval costs totaling approximately $500-$1,000. Insurance for short-term rentals costs $1,500-$2,500 annually, with the first year paid upfront. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run about $500-$800 initially. First six months of operating costs including utilities ($200-$300/month), cleaning services ($75-$100 per turnover), maintenance reserves ($200-$400/month), property management software ($30-$50/month), and marketing expenses ($100-$200/month) total approximately $4,000-$7,000, assuming 60-70% occupancy rates during the initial period.

Airbnb properties in Bartlett, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues of $15,000-$35,000 for entire homes and $8,000-$18,000 for private rooms, with average daily rates ranging from $65-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-60% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($25-$40 per turnover), property management (10-20% of revenue), utilities ($150-$300 monthly), insurance ($800-$1,500 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-$4,000 yearly. Net profit margins typically range from 15-35% for well-managed properties, with successful hosts in the Memphis suburb market achieving occupancy rates of 60-75% by leveraging Bartlett's proximity to Memphis attractions, FedEx corporate facilities, and the University of Memphis. Properties near Shelby Farms Park and those offering family-friendly amenities tend to outperform, with some three-bedroom homes generating $40,000+ annually and achieving 25-30% profit margins. Success factors include competitive pricing 10-15% below Memphis city rates, professional photography, rapid guest communication, and maintaining 4.8+ star ratings, while properties lacking these elements often struggle with sub-50% occupancy and single-digit profit margins.

Airbnb investments in Bartlett, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, based on the area's proximity to Memphis and steady tourism demand from business travelers and visitors to nearby attractions like Graceland and Beale Street. Properties in Bartlett's established neighborhoods, particularly those near major corridors like Stage Road and Appling Road, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months due to average daily rates of $85-120 and occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. The market benefits from Memphis International Airport traffic, corporate housing demand from FedEx and International Paper employees, and weekend leisure travelers, with investors typically seeing break-even on initial investments within 2-3 years when factoring in property appreciation of 4-6% annually and consistent rental income from the stable suburban location that offers lower crime rates and family-friendly amenities compared to downtown Memphis properties.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for Airbnb investors in Bartlett, Tennessee. Local real estate agents serving the Bartlett market include Keller Williams Realty, RE/MAX Experts, and Crye-Leike Realtors, with many agents specifically focusing on investment properties in the Memphis metropolitan area. National services like Mashvisor, BiggerPockets, and AirDNA provide market analysis and property identification tools for Bartlett's short-term rental market. Local property management companies such as RedAwning, AvantStay, and Memphis-based STR management firms offer turnkey solutions for investors. Real estate investment companies like Roofstock and Arrived Homes occasionally feature properties in the Bartlett area, while local investment groups and meetups through BiggerPockets connect investors with market-specific expertise. Additional services include short-term rental consultants, property scouts, and specialized lenders who understand the Airbnb investment market in Tennessee, with many operating throughout the greater Memphis region where Bartlett is located.