Dallas, Arlington, and Fort Worth may share stadiums, but their short-term rental rules are not identical. In this guide, you’ll get a city-by-city snapshot of what counts as a short-term rental, what’s enforceable right now, and what steps you need to take before you host your first tenant.
Key Takeaways
- Dallas defines short-term rentals as stays of 30 days or fewer and does not require the property to be a primary residence. While stricter 2023 zoning rules remain blocked amid ongoing litigation, operators must still register annually, display a registration number, and comply with laws.
- Fort Worth allows short-term rentals (1–29 days) only in mixed-use, most form-based, commercial, and industrial districts, not most residential zones. Hosts must register annually, submit zoning confirmation, and designate a local contact who can respond within one hour.
- Arlington limits short-term rentals (1–29 days) to designated Short-Term Zoning Districts and requires an annual permit with inspections at application and renewal.
Dallas Short-Term Rental Laws
Dallas defines a short-term rental as any residential property (or portion of a property) rented for 30 consecutive days or fewer. The property does not need to be a primary residence.
Dallas has experienced ongoing legal disputes over short-term rental regulations. In 2023, the city adopted stricter zoning and operational rules, but those provisions were blocked and are not currently enforced. What remains enforceable are minimum property standards, noise ordinances, nuisance regulations, and private nuisance laws. Because litigation is ongoing, landlords should monitor regulatory updates closely.
Zoning and property restrictions
At this time, no zoning restrictions specific to short-term rentals are being enforced due to pending legal challenges. However, this could change depending on court rulings or future city action.
License and registration requirements
All short-term rental landlords must register with the City of Dallas. Registration is required before operating and must be renewed annually.
Other requirements
Listings and advertisements must display a registration number.
Fort Worth Short-Term Rental Laws
Short-term rentals in Fort Worth are any property rented out for 1 to 29 consecutive days. The property does not need to be the owner’s primary residence.
Zoning and property restrictions
Short-term rentals are only permitted in mixed-use and most form-based, commercial, and industrial zoning districts. Short-term rentals are not allowed in most residential districts including: A-[#], AR, B, R1, R2, CR, C, D, UR. Landlords must provide a copy of their Zoning Confirmation to include with the application.
License and registration requirements
All short-term rentals must register with the City of Fort Worth and renew annually. As part of the registration process, operators must provide their Zoning Confirmation. The city may also require additional certifications deemed necessary to verify compliance with applicable regulations.
Other requirements
Landlords must retain all records that support the amounts reported on monthly Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) filings. In addition, owners must designate a local responsible party who can be reached and respond within one hour any time a tenant is in the property. All advertisements and online listings must display the current registration number.
Operational requirements and compliance rules
Fort Worth requires landlords to enforce strict occupancy limits and post the current registration confirmation. A short-term rental may not exceed two occupants per bedroom plus two additional occupants, and it may not allow more than 12 total occupants at any one time, including children.
Landlords must also provide and display host rules that reflect applicable city regulations, such as occupancy and parking limits, trash pickup requirements, prohibitions on special events, noise limits, and curfew times.
Arlington Short-Term Rental Laws
AT&T Stadium sits in Arlington, right between Dallas and Fort Worth, and Arlington has its own short-term rental rules. A short-term rental is any property rented for one to 29 consecutive days
Zoning and property restrictions
Short-term rentals are only allowed in specific Zoning Districts, specifically the Short-Term Zone and additional Short-Term Zoning Districts. However, existing residential structures located within non-residential and mixed-use zoning districts may also qualify.
License and registration requirements
Arlington requires a short-term rental permit that must be renewed annually. The city inspects every property during the initial application process and again at renewal. Plan for inspections when preparing your timeline.
When applying, you will be required to submit these documents:
- Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT Account)
- Certificate of Insurance (minimum of $1 million)
- Dimensioned Plot Plan or Aerial View (showing the parking spaces associated with the STR)
- Dimensioned Floor Plan (interior layout)
- Host Rules (must meet city’s minimum requirements)
- STR Authorization Letter (for new owners, rentals, or LLC ownership)
Other requirements
Arlington limits maximum occupancy to two occupants per bedroom, plus two additional occupants, with an overall cap of 12 people. All advertisements and online listings must include the permit number.
Operational requirements and compliance rules
Arlington requires several items to be visibly posted inside the rental. Just inside the entrance, a copy of the short-term rental permit must be posted. A floor plan identifying fire exits and escape routes must also be clearly displayed in the property. The name and contact information of a designated local responsible party that’s available 24 hours a day needs to be provided to the tenants.
In addition, host rules must be clearly displayed inside the property and include:
- Occupancy limits
- Parking limits
- Trash pickup days and placement rules (curb placement allowed after 7 p.m. the evening before scheduled pickup)
- Prohibitions on special events
- Noise restrictions (no amplified sound between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.)
- Curfew hours (10 p.m. to 9 a.m.)
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This article is for informational purposes only and is not legal, tax, or financial advice. The information presented here is a general overview and is not all-encompassing; it may not cover every requirement, exception, permitting process, enforcement practice, or recent update in each location. Short-term rental laws and tax rules vary by location and can change, so verify current requirements and consult a qualified attorney or professional for guidance.
FAQs
Are short-term rentals legal in Dallas and Fort Worth?
Short-term rentals are legal in all cities; Dallas allows rentals of 30 days or less. Fort Worth allows rentals of 1–29 days only in approved mixed-use/form-based, commercial, or industrial zones, not most residential areas.
Do I need a license or permit in Dallas and Fort Worth to operate a short-term rental?
Each city requires registration. Dallas requires all landlords register with the City of Dallas before operating and renew annually. Fort Worth also requires landlords to register with the City of Fort Worth and renew annually.
Does a short-term rental have to be my primary residence in Dallas and Fort Worth?
No, neither Dallas nor Fort Worth requires the property to be the owner’s primary residence for it to operate as a short-term rental.
