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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Richardson, TX

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

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require annual registration and a 24-hour emergency contact. Operators must post a 'Be a Good Neighbor' flyer and safety information (floor plan, fire extinguisher locations) inside the unit. Registrations can be revoked for severe or repeated violations.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Register online via the City's STR portal (GovOS/Munirevs). 2) Provide owner/operator contact details and a 24-hour emergency contact. 3) Pay the annual non-refundable registration fee (stated as $100 on the main city site) and post required safety/neighbor materials in the unit.

Regulatory Updates — Richardson

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJuly 2023

Richardson STR Permit Program

City requires annual STR operating permit with fire safety compliance, noise ordinance adherence, and local emergency contact requirement. Permit number required in all listings.

PassedMarch 2024

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax STR Compliance Update

Texas Comptroller's Office updated STR guidance; all operators must collect and remit the 6% state hotel occupancy tax. Major platforms collect and remit automatically for most bookings.

Under ReviewSeptember 2025

Richardson STR Zoning Compatibility Review

City reviewing whether STR use is consistent with all residential zone classifications; no major restrictions are expected based on planning staff analysis.

Official Resources

Official Richardson STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Richardson Chamber of CommerceLocal

Local chamber supporting Richardson's business community including vacation rental operators serving corporate visitors to the Telecom Corridor.

Texas Hotel and Lodging AssociationStatewide

Statewide hospitality trade group monitoring Texas STR legislation and providing guidance for compliant operation.

Vacation Rental Management AssociationNational

National trade association offering education, advocacy, and resources for professional vacation rental managers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Richardson, TX?
Yes — Airbnb and other short-term rentals are allowed in Richardson, TX, but operators must obtain a permit before listing. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require annual registration and a 24-hour emergency contact. Operators must post a 'Be a Good Neighbor' flyer and safety information (floor plan, fire extinguisher locations) inside the unit. Registrations can be revoked for severe or repeated violations. "Airbnb" is a brand name; the rules on this page apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.). See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Richardson, TX?
Short-term rentals (under 30 days) require annual registration and a 24-hour emergency contact. Operators must post a 'Be a Good Neighbor' flyer and safety information (floor plan, fire extinguisher locations) inside the unit. Registrations can be revoked for severe or repeated violations.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Richardson?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Richardson. 1) Register online via the City's STR portal (GovOS/Munirevs). 2) Provide owner/operator contact details and a 24-hour emergency contact. 3) Pay the annual non-refundable registration fee (stated as $100 on the main city site) and post required safety/neighbor materials in the unit.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Richardson?
1) Register online via the City's STR portal (GovOS/Munirevs). 2) Provide owner/operator contact details and a 24-hour emergency contact. 3) Pay the annual non-refundable registration fee (stated as $100 on the main city site) and post required safety/neighbor materials in the unit.
Is Vrbo legal in Richardson, TX?
Yes. Vrbo operates under the same short-term rental rules as Airbnb in Richardson, TX, since regulations apply to the rental activity rather than the booking platform. A permit is required before you list on Vrbo or any other platform. Last verified 2026-05-14.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Richardson?
Short-term rental hosts in Richardson 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 Richardson?
The most recent tracked change in Richardson is "Richardson STR Permit Program" (2023-07-01, status: passed). City requires annual STR operating permit with fire safety compliance, noise ordinance adherence, and local emergency contact requirement. Permit number required in all listings. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
What permits are required for an STR in Richardson?
An annual City of Richardson STR operating permit with fire safety compliance and noise ordinance adherence. A local emergency contact must be provided. Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%) registration is also required.
Does Texas have state preemption for STRs?
No. Texas has no statewide STR preemption law. Richardson and other Texas municipalities set their own requirements independently. Several Texas cities (Austin, Houston, Dallas) have varying levels of STR regulation.
What taxes apply to Richardson STRs?
Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%), City of Richardson hotel occupancy tax, and Dallas County hotel tax all apply. Major platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit state and local hotel occupancy taxes automatically for most platform-facilitated bookings.
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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