Is Mount Juliet, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through the Mount Juliet Planning Department, as the city requires short-term rental permits and compliance with residential zoning restrictions that typically limit rentals to owner-occupied properties or specific zones. Contact Mount Juliet City Hall at 2765 N. Mt. Juliet Road to obtain the necessary business license and short-term rental permit, which costs approximately $50-100 annually and requires proof of insurance, safety inspections, and adherence to occupancy limits. Find a suitable property in residential areas like Providence, Beckwith Crossing, or near Percy Priest Lake, ensuring it meets the city's requirements for parking (typically 2 spaces minimum) and doesn't violate HOA restrictions. Purchase essential furnishings including quality mattresses, linens, basic kitchen appliances, WiFi equipment, and safety items like smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, budgeting $5,000-15,000 for a complete setup. Create your listing on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other platforms with professional photos highlighting Mount Juliet's proximity to Nashville (20 minutes), local attractions like Charlie Daniels Park, and outdoor activities at Percy Priest Lake. Implement a management system using tools like Hospitable or hire local property management companies such as Nashville-area STR managers, establish cleaning protocols with local services, maintain 24/7 guest communication, and ensure compliance with Tennessee's 9.25% sales tax plus Wilson County's additional lodging taxes, while keeping detailed records for tax purposes and regularly reviewing Mount Juliet's evolving short-term rental ordinances.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, focus on locations within 15-20 minutes of Nashville's downtown core, particularly near Percy Priest Lake, Providence development, or close to major employers like Amazon's fulfillment center. Target 3-4 bedroom single-family homes or townhomes built after 2000 with modern amenities, outdoor spaces, and parking for multiple vehicles, as business travelers and families visiting Nashville frequently seek these features. Analyze pricing by researching comparable Airbnb listings in Mount Juliet, Lebanon, and Hermitage, aiming for properties that can generate $150-250 per night with 65-75% occupancy rates to achieve 12-15% annual returns. Study competition using AirDNA, Mashvisor, and STR Helper to identify supply gaps and optimal pricing strategies, while monitoring seasonal demand patterns driven by Nashville events, CMA Music Festival, and lake activities. Utilize local resources including the Mount Juliet Chamber of Commerce for area development insights, Wilson County property records for investment analysis, and connect with Nashville-area STR management companies like RedAwning or Vacasa to understand operational costs, which typically run 25-35% of gross revenue in this market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, you must first contact the Mount Juliet Planning Department at City Hall located at 2765 N. Mt. Juliet Road to determine current zoning compliance, as short-term rentals may require conditional use permits in certain residential zones. Submit an application through the Planning Department including a completed STR permit application form, property deed or lease agreement, floor plan showing maximum occupancy, parking plan demonstrating adequate off-street parking, contact information for a local property manager (required within 30 minutes of the property), proof of liability insurance ($1 million minimum), and Tennessee sales tax registration. The application fee is approximately $150-250 with additional fees for conditional use permits ranging $300-500 if required. You must also register with Wilson County for business license purposes (approximately $15-25 annually) and obtain a Tennessee business license through the Secretary of State's office. The approval timeline typically takes 30-60 days for standard applications or 60-90 days if conditional use approval is needed. Mount Juliet requires STR properties to maintain quiet hours from 10 PM to 7 AM, limit occupancy to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, provide adequate parking (minimum 2 spaces), display the permit number in all advertisements, and maintain a guest registry available for city inspection.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are legal in Mount Juliet, Tennessee, but operate under specific regulations established by the city. Mount Juliet requires STR operators to obtain a business license and comply with zoning restrictions that primarily limit short-term rentals to commercially zoned areas and certain residential zones with conditional use permits. The city prohibits STRs in most single-family residential neighborhoods to preserve community character and has implemented occupancy limits, parking requirements, and noise ordinances. Property owners must register their rentals, maintain liability insurance, and ensure compliance with fire safety codes. Recent changes around 2021-2022 included stricter enforcement mechanisms and clearer definitions of what constitutes a short-term rental, with the city requiring annual renewals and imposing penalties for non-compliance. The regulations also mandate that a responsible party be available 24/7 to address any issues, and properties must meet all applicable building and health codes before receiving approval to operate as short-term rentals.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Mount Juliet, Tennessee include the Providence and Beckwith neighborhoods near Old Hickory Lake, which attract tourists seeking waterfront recreation, fishing, and boating activities year-round. The downtown Mount Juliet area around Lebanon Road offers proximity to local restaurants, shopping at Providence Marketplace, and easy access to Nashville (20 minutes away), making it ideal for business travelers and tourists wanting a quieter base while visiting Music City. The Gladeville Pike corridor is attractive due to its proximity to Nashville Superspeedway, which hosts NASCAR events and concerts, generating significant short-term rental demand during race weekends and major events. Areas near Cedars of Lebanon State Park appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking hiking, camping, and nature activities. The neighborhoods around Mount Juliet High School and near the Wilson County Fairgrounds benefit from sports tournaments, school events, and the annual county fair, creating consistent demand from visiting families and teams throughout the year.

Mount Juliet, Tennessee imposes a local hotel occupancy tax of 5% on short-term rental accommodations including Airbnb properties, which is collected in addition to Tennessee's state sales tax of 7% and state hotel occupancy tax of 1.5%, bringing the total tax burden to approximately 13.5% for guests. The local occupancy tax is administered by the City of Mount Juliet and must be collected by hosts from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with remittance required monthly by the 20th of the following month along with appropriate tax returns filed with the city's finance department. Hosts must register with the city to obtain a business license and tax permit before operating, and the tax applies to all stays of less than 30 consecutive days with no standard exemptions for typical leisure or business travelers. Wilson County may also impose additional local taxes that could affect properties within Mount Juliet's jurisdiction, and hosts are responsible for ensuring compliance with all applicable state and local tax requirements, including proper record-keeping of all rental transactions and tax collections for audit purposes.

The total cost to start an Airbnb in Mount Juliet, Tennessee is approximately $385,000-$425,000. Property purchase costs around $350,000 based on the median home price in the area as of 2023. Furnishing a 3-bedroom property typically runs $15,000-$25,000 including beds, sofas, dining sets, appliances, linens, and decor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local furniture stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations total $3,000-$5,000. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees range from $500-$1,500 depending on local Mount Juliet regulations. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage costs approximately $2,000-$3,000 annually. Utility setup and deposits for electricity, water, gas, internet, and cable run about $500-$800. First six months operating costs including utilities ($1,200), cleaning services ($1,800), maintenance ($1,000), property management software ($300), and marketing ($500) total approximately $4,800. Additional working capital of $5,000-$10,000 is recommended for unexpected expenses and vacancy periods during the initial launch phase.

Airbnb properties in Mount Juliet, Tennessee typically generate annual revenues between $25,000-$45,000 for well-positioned properties, with average daily rates ranging from $85-$140 depending on property size and amenities. Operating expenses generally consume 40-50% of gross revenue, including cleaning fees ($30-50 per turnover), property management (15-25% if outsourced), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance costs averaging $2,000-4,000 yearly. Properties within 15 minutes of Nashville's downtown or near Percy Priest Lake command premium rates and achieve 65-75% occupancy rates, resulting in net profit margins of 25-35%. Success factors include proximity to Nashville attractions, professional photography, responsive guest communication, and competitive pricing strategies that adjust for seasonal demand fluctuations. Three-bedroom homes near the lake or with unique amenities like hot tubs typically outperform smaller properties, with some hosts reporting annual profits of $15,000-$20,000 after all expenses. The market benefits from Nashville's tourism growth and business travel, though hosts must navigate local regulations and potential HOA restrictions while maintaining consistent 4.8+ star ratings to remain competitive in the saturated Middle Tennessee short-term rental market.

Airbnb investments in Mount Juliet, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, driven by the area's proximity to Nashville (20 miles east) and growing tourism demand. Properties in desirable neighborhoods near Percy Priest Lake or downtown Mount Juliet command average daily rates of $120-180, with occupancy rates of 65-75% annually. Initial investment recovery usually occurs within 6-8 years, with monthly gross rental income averaging $2,800-4,200 for 3-4 bedroom homes purchased in the $350,000-500,000 range. The market benefits from Nashville's music tourism spillover, corporate relocations to the region, and limited hotel inventory, with properties typically reaching profitability within 18-24 months after accounting for furnishing, marketing, and operational expenses.

STRSearch is a national platform that specializes in identifying profitable short-term rental properties for investors looking in Mount Juliet, Tennessee. Local real estate agents like Keller Williams Realty in Mount Juliet and RE/MAX Elite have agents experienced in investment properties and short-term rental markets in the area. AirDNA provides market data and analytics for Airbnb investments in Mount Juliet, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools for the Nashville metro area including Mount Juliet. BiggerPockets connects investors with local professionals and resources in Tennessee markets. Local property management companies like Nashville Short Term Rental Management and Music City STR specialize in managing Airbnb properties in the greater Nashville area including Mount Juliet. RedAwning and Vacasa offer turnkey short-term rental services and property identification. Real estate investment firms like HomeVestors and local investors through Nashville REIA (Real Estate Investment Association) can provide guidance on profitable Airbnb opportunities. Additionally, local mortgage brokers like First Community Mortgage and Churchill Mortgage in nearby areas can assist with financing investment properties specifically for short-term rental purposes in Mount Juliet's growing market.