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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Dallas, TX

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are permitted by right in multi-family, commercial, and mixed-use districts but prohibited in single-family residential zones. Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, occupancy limits of 3 people per bedroom (max 12), and a mandatory local responsible party who must respond within one hour. Listings must display the city registration number and specific parking/noise limitations.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit a registration application including owner/host contact info and HOT registration. 2. Pay the $404 annual registration fee. 3. Pass a mandatory property inspection to ensure no code violations exist before approval.

Regulatory Updates — Dallas

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedSeptember 2023

STR Registration Ordinance Enacted

Dallas requires all short-term rental operators to register with the city, obtain a business license, designate a 24/7 local contact person, carry minimum liability insurance, and display their registration number in listings. Registration requires annual renewal.

PassedJune 2024

Nuisance Property Ordinance Expanded to Cover STRs

Dallas amended its nuisance property ordinance to include STR-specific triggers. Properties generating three or more verified noise, nuisance, or overcrowding complaints within 12 months face license suspension. Code enforcement officers may issue immediate citations for violations at registered STR properties.

Under ReviewOctober 2025

City Council Reviews Residential Zone STR Restrictions

Dallas City Council members representing residential neighborhoods are reviewing proposals to restrict STR activity in single-family residential zones, similar to zoning-based approaches used in Austin and other Texas cities. No ordinance has passed, but council discussions are ongoing.

Official Resources

Official Dallas STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Texas Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group representing Dallas and other Texas STR operators in city regulatory proceedings and the Texas legislature. Monitors Dallas ordinance developments and provides compliance resources.

Dallas Regional ChamberLocal

Tracks Dallas city business regulations including STR ordinance changes. Provides resources for operators navigating the city's registration and tax compliance requirements.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing regulatory monitoring and advocacy resources for vacation rental managers in major Texas metro markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Dallas, TX?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Dallas, TX, but with restrictions. STRs are permitted by right in multi-family, commercial, and mixed-use districts but prohibited in single-family residential zones. Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, occupancy limits of 3 people per bedroom (max 12), and a mandatory local responsible party who must respond within one hour. Listings must display the city registration number and specific parking/noise limitations. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Dallas, TX?
STRs are permitted by right in multi-family, commercial, and mixed-use districts but prohibited in single-family residential zones. Requirements include a 2-night minimum stay, occupancy limits of 3 people per bedroom (max 12), and a mandatory local responsible party who must respond within one hour. Listings must display the city registration number and specific parking/noise limitations.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Dallas?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Dallas. 1. Submit a registration application including owner/host contact info and HOT registration. 2. Pay the $404 annual registration fee. 3. Pass a mandatory property inspection to ensure no code violations exist before approval.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Dallas?
1. Submit a registration application including owner/host contact info and HOT registration. 2. Pay the $404 annual registration fee. 3. Pass a mandatory property inspection to ensure no code violations exist before approval.
Is Vrbo legal in Dallas, TX?
Vrbo is permitted in Dallas, TX under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Dallas?
Short-term rental hosts in Dallas are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Dallas?
The most recent tracked change in Dallas is "STR Registration Ordinance Enacted" (2023-09-01, status: passed). Dallas requires all short-term rental operators to register with the city, obtain a business license, designate a 24/7 local contact person, carry minimum liability insurance, and display their registration number in listings. Registration requires annual renewal. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What is required to legally operate a short-term rental in Dallas?
Operators need a City of Dallas STR registration (annual renewal with 24/7 local contact designation and liability insurance), and must register with the Texas Comptroller for state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and with the city for Dallas municipal hotel occupancy tax. Dallas County hotel occupancy tax also applies. Registration numbers must appear in all listing platform postings. Unlicensed operation carries daily fines.
Are there areas of Dallas where short-term rentals are prohibited?
Dallas does not currently have a blanket prohibition on residential STRs, but city council is reviewing whether to restrict them in single-family zones. Currently, the primary restriction mechanism is the nuisance ordinance — properties generating repeat complaints face license suspension. Deed restrictions in Dallas's many deed-restricted neighborhoods (which function like private zoning) may prohibit commercial activity including STRs. Always review deed restrictions for your specific property before listing.
What taxes apply to Dallas short-term rental income?
Operators collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%), City of Dallas hotel occupancy tax (9%), and Dallas County hotel occupancy tax (2%), for a combined rate of approximately 17% on gross rental receipts. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local hotel occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts in Dallas. Operators using direct booking channels must register and remit to all three taxing authorities independently.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction