Short-Term Rental Regulations in Texas
State Overview
Texas does not preempt local STR regulation. Cities have broad authority to regulate short-term rentals. The state imposes a 6% State Hotel Occupancy Tax in addition to any local taxes. Cities in Texas
| City | Permit | Tax Rate | Day Limit | Primary Res. | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlington | ✓ Required | 15% | No annual cap · ≤29 days/stay | No | → |
| Austin | ✓ Required | 15% | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
| Corpus Christi | ✓ Required | 15% | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
| Dallas | Not required | 15% | No annual cap · ≤29 days/stay | No | → |
| Fort Worth | ✓ Required | 17% | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
| Fredericksburg | ✓ Required | 13% | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
| Galveston | ✓ Required | 15% | No limit | No | → |
| Houston | ✓ Required | 13% | No limit | No | → |
| New Braunfels | ✓ Required | 13% combined (6% state + 7% city) | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
| Port Aransas | ✓ Required | 13% | No limit | No | → |
| San Antonio | ✓ Required | 16.75% | No limit | Varies | → |
| South Padre Island | ✓ Required | 17% | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
| Waco | ✓ Required | 15% | No annual cap · per-stay limit | No | → |
Texas' STR Landscape
Texas does not have a uniform STR framework, leaving regulation to individual municipalities. The state imposes a 6% State Hotel Occupancy Tax in addition to local taxes.
Regulation varies significantly across cities. Some cities (San Antonio) require primary residence, while others (Arlington, Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Fredericksburg, Galveston, Houston, New Braunfels, Port Aransas, South Padre Island, Waco) allow non-owner-occupied rentals. Tax rates vary from 13% to 17%.
Popular Short-Term Rental Markets
High-demand markets in other states — compare their permit, tax, and day-limit rules:
- Nashville STR regulations
- Short-term rental rules in Miami Beach
- Asheville STR regulations
- Short-term rental rules in Myrtle Beach
- Gatlinburg STR regulations
- New Orleans STR regulations
- San Diego STR regulations
- Vacation rental rules in Savannah
- Short-term rental rules in Scottsdale
- Vacation rental rules in Charlotte
Other States
Alabama 2 cities Alaska 1 city Arizona 8 cities Arkansas 3 cities California 28 cities Colorado 12 cities Connecticut 1 city Delaware 2 cities District of Columbia 1 city Florida 24 cities Georgia 6 cities Hawaii 4 cities Idaho 3 cities Illinois 2 cities Indiana 2 cities Kentucky 2 cities Louisiana 1 city Maine 4 cities Maryland 3 cities Massachusetts 6 cities Michigan 4 cities Minnesota 1 city Mississippi 2 cities Missouri 4 cities Montana 3 cities Nevada 1 city New Hampshire 2 cities New Jersey 5 cities New Mexico 3 cities New York 5 cities North Carolina 7 cities Ohio 3 cities Oklahoma 3 cities Oregon 3 cities Pennsylvania 4 cities Rhode Island 2 cities South Carolina 7 cities South Dakota 2 cities Tennessee 7 cities Utah 7 cities Vermont 2 cities Virginia 6 cities Washington 4 cities West Virginia 1 city Wisconsin 4 cities Wyoming 1 city