Is Robbins, Tennessee Good for Airbnb Investment?

To start an Airbnb in Robbins, Tennessee, begin by researching local zoning laws and regulations through Scott County's planning department, as Robbins typically follows county guidelines for short-term rentals which may require a business license and compliance with fire safety codes. Obtain necessary permits including a general business license from Scott County (approximately $25-50 annually) and ensure your property meets Tennessee's fire safety requirements for transient accommodations. Find a suitable property by searching local real estate listings, considering proximity to Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area which attracts many visitors, with average property prices ranging $80,000-150,000 for suitable homes. Furnish the property with essential amenities including comfortable bedding, kitchen supplies, Wi-Fi, and outdoor furniture to appeal to nature enthusiasts visiting the area, budgeting approximately $5,000-10,000 for initial furnishing. List your property on Airbnb and other platforms like VRBO, highlighting proximity to outdoor activities, setting competitive rates around $75-125 per night based on local market analysis, and creating an attractive listing with professional photos showcasing the rural Tennessee setting. Manage your Airbnb by establishing cleaning protocols between guests, responding promptly to inquiries, coordinating with local cleaning services (typically $40-60 per turnover), and maintaining relationships with nearby property managers or handymen for maintenance issues, while ensuring compliance with Tennessee's 9.25% sales tax on short-term rentals and any applicable Scott County occupancy taxes.

To identify profitable short-term rental properties in Robbins, Tennessee, focus on locations within 10-15 minutes of major attractions like Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, Pickett State Park, and scenic overlooks along the Cumberland Plateau, as these drive consistent tourist traffic year-round. Target properties with 2-4 bedrooms, outdoor amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or large decks with mountain views, reliable internet for remote workers, and unique features such as log cabin aesthetics or modern rustic designs that photograph well for listings. Conduct pricing analysis by researching comparable STRs on Airbnb and VRBO within a 20-mile radius, noting that properties typically command $80-150 per night depending on size and amenities, with higher rates during peak outdoor recreation seasons (spring through fall). Competition research should focus on analyzing occupancy rates, guest reviews, and booking patterns of similar properties, particularly those near Norris Dam State Park and Cove Lake State Park, while identifying gaps in amenities or service quality you can exploit. Utilize tools like AirDNA for market analytics, STR Helper for revenue projections, Mashvisor for investment analysis, and local resources including Scott County tourism data, Tennessee State Parks visitor statistics, and networking with local property management companies like Smoky Mountain Vacation Rentals to understand seasonal demand patterns and regulatory requirements specific to the Robbins market.

To obtain an Airbnb/STR permit in Robbins, Tennessee, you must first contact the Robbins City Hall at 423-628-3003 or visit their office at 5400 Main Street to inquire about short-term rental regulations, as this small city may have recently implemented or be developing STR ordinances. You'll likely need to submit an application form along with required documents including proof of property ownership or lease agreement, certificate of insurance with minimum $1 million liability coverage, floor plan of the rental unit, contact information for a local property manager if you're not local, and potentially a business license application. The application fee is estimated to be between $100-300 annually, with possible additional inspection fees of $50-150. You must also register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for state sales tax collection and remit the required state and local occupancy taxes. The approval timeline typically ranges from 30-60 days depending on inspection scheduling and document review. Robbins may require compliance with specific zoning restrictions limiting STRs to certain residential areas, maximum occupancy limits based on bedrooms and square footage, parking requirements of at least one space per bedroom, and adherence to noise ordinances with quiet hours typically from 10 PM to 7 AM, though you should verify current requirements directly with city officials as regulations for small Tennessee municipalities can vary significantly.

Short-term rentals (STRs) are generally legal in Robbins, Tennessee, as the small town in Scott County does not have specific municipal ordinances prohibiting them as of 2024. However, operators must comply with Tennessee state regulations including obtaining proper business licenses, collecting and remitting state and local occupancy taxes, and meeting safety requirements such as smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors. Since Robbins lacks comprehensive STR regulations, properties must adhere to standard zoning laws and homeowners association rules if applicable. The town has not implemented recent changes to STR laws, leaving regulation primarily to state oversight and basic business licensing requirements. Operators should verify current zoning compliance and ensure proper registration with the Tennessee Department of Revenue for tax collection purposes, as enforcement of existing regulations has become more stringent statewide since 2022.

The best areas for Airbnb investment in Robbins, Tennessee include the downtown historic district near Main Street, which attracts visitors interested in the area's coal mining heritage and small-town charm, and properties near the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area boundary (approximately 15 miles southeast), which draw outdoor enthusiasts for hiking, camping, and whitewater activities year-round. The residential areas along Highway 27 offer good accessibility for business travelers visiting local industries and government facilities in nearby Oneida and Huntsville, while properties near Frozen Head State Park (about 20 miles south) capitalize on nature tourism and seasonal hunting activities. The neighborhoods around Clear Fork River provide attractive settings for families and groups seeking rural retreats, fishing expeditions, and ATV adventures, with peak demand typically occurring during spring through fall months when outdoor recreation is most popular in the Cumberland Plateau region.

Airbnb properties in Robbins, Tennessee are subject to Tennessee state sales tax of 7% and state lodging tax of 1.5%, totaling 8.5% in state taxes on short-term rental stays. Scott County, where Robbins is located, may impose an additional local occupancy tax of up to 5%, though the exact rate varies by municipality and would need verification with local authorities. Tennessee requires hosts to register for a sales tax permit through the Department of Revenue and collect taxes from guests at the time of booking or check-in, with monthly remittance due by the 20th of the following month for properties with regular bookings. Airbnb may collect and remit these taxes automatically for hosts in Tennessee through their platform since 2019, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance and should verify collection is occurring. Exemptions typically apply to stays of 30 days or longer, which are considered long-term rentals rather than short-term lodging, and some properties used primarily as permanent residences may qualify for reduced rates. Hosts should register with both state and local tax authorities, maintain detailed records of all bookings and tax collections, and file regular returns even during periods of no activity to remain compliant with Tennessee tax law.

To start an Airbnb in Robbins, Tennessee, the total estimated costs would be approximately $185,000-$225,000. Property purchase costs around $150,000-$180,000 based on median home prices in rural Tennessee markets like Scott County where Robbins is located. Furnishing a 2-3 bedroom property would cost $8,000-$12,000 including furniture, appliances, linens, and décor from retailers like IKEA, Wayfair, and local stores. Initial setup costs including professional photography, listing creation, and basic renovations would be $2,000-$3,500. Permits and fees including business license, short-term rental permit, and inspection fees would total $500-$1,200. Insurance including landlord and short-term rental coverage would cost $1,500-$2,500 annually. Utilities setup and deposits for electricity, water, internet, and cable would be $800-$1,200. First six months operating costs including utilities ($600/month), cleaning supplies ($100/month), maintenance ($200/month), property management software ($50/month), and marketing ($100/month) would total approximately $6,300, bringing the complete startup investment to between $185,000-$225,000 depending on property condition and furnishing choices.

Airbnb properties in Robbins, Tennessee, a small rural community near the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, typically generate modest returns with average nightly rates ranging from $75-$120 depending on property size and amenities. Properties near outdoor recreation areas see occupancy rates of 45-60% annually, generating gross revenues of $15,000-$35,000 per year for 2-3 bedroom cabins or homes. Operating expenses including cleaning fees ($40-60 per turnover), property management (15-25% of revenue), utilities ($150-250 monthly), insurance ($1,200-2,000 annually), and maintenance typically consume 50-65% of gross revenue. Net profit margins generally range from 15-35%, with successful properties featuring outdoor amenities like hot tubs, fire pits, or proximity to hiking trails commanding premium rates. Properties within 10 miles of Big South Fork entrance gates, such as those managed by local companies like Scenic View Rentals, report higher performance with some 3-bedroom cabins achieving $40,000+ annual revenue and 25-30% net margins. Success factors include professional photography, responsive guest communication, consistent 4.8+ star ratings, and seasonal pricing strategies that capitalize on peak outdoor recreation months from April through October when rates can increase 20-40% above winter levels.

Airbnb investments in Robbins, Tennessee typically generate annual ROI of 12-18% with cash-on-cash returns ranging from 8-14%, primarily driven by the area's proximity to Nashville (approximately 45 minutes) and growing tourism demand for rural retreats. Properties in Robbins, particularly those near scenic areas or offering unique experiences, can achieve profitability within 18-24 months, with average daily rates of $85-120 depending on property size and amenities. The market benefits from lower property acquisition costs compared to Nashville proper, with investment properties typically ranging from $150,000-$300,000, while maintaining strong occupancy rates of 65-75% annually due to consistent demand from visitors exploring middle Tennessee's outdoor attractions and those seeking affordable alternatives to urban accommodations.

STRSearch is a leading national platform that helps investors identify profitable short-term rental properties in Robbins, Tennessee, using data analytics and market insights. Local real estate agents in the area include Coldwell Banker Wallace & Wallace Realtors and RE/MAX Big South Realty, both serving the greater Cumberland County region where Robbins is located. National services like AirDNA provide market data and analytics for short-term rental investments, while Mashvisor offers property analysis tools specifically for Airbnb investments in Tennessee markets. RedAwning and Awning.com specialize in vacation rental property management and can assist with property acquisition strategies. Local property management companies such as Great Smoky Mountain Cabin Rentals and Aunt Bug's Cabin Rentals have expertise in the Robbins area vacation rental market and often help investors identify profitable properties. BiggerPockets, while primarily an educational platform, connects investors with local professionals in Tennessee markets, and Roofstock has expanded into short-term rental property sales in various Tennessee markets since 2019.