Short-term rentals (STRs) in Knox County, Kentucky, are currently unregulated, allowing property owners to rent out residential spaces without specific local guidelines. This lack of regulation has led to an increase in STRs, especially in rural areas, including cabins and vacation homes, catering mainly to tourists seeking access to nearby attractions in Sevier County. Although the county collects an occupancy tax from these rentals, there are no mandates regarding permits or other operational requirements. The primary concern arises from instances of disruptive parties hosted by out-of-state owners, prompting calls from local residents for the creation of regulatory measures. The county government, particularly the Knox County Commission, may consider implementing such regulations in the future, drawing inspiration from ordinances seen in the City of Knoxville, which set rules for STRs, including permitting and emergency contact requirements. The conversation around STR regulation is ongoing, reflecting the complexities of balancing property rights with community impact. For more information, you can visit the official site regarding short-term rentals in Knoxville here and learn about the ongoing discussions about STR regulations here.