Arlington Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit — annual, owner- and location-specific, non-transferable

This permit type does not require primary residence. Zoning restriction: Allowed in RM-12 and RMF-22 residential districts, all non-residential and mixed-use districts, and the designated ~1-mile STR Zone around the Entertainment District; prohibited elsewhere in residential zones.

Application Process

Apply online via ArlingtonPermits.com; submit owner/operator/local-responsible-party info, HOT registration number, plot plan, floor plan, proof of insurance, HOA contact (if any), and host rules; premises must pass a City health/safety inspection before a permit is issued.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 15% of gross rental income.

Collection: STR operator must register with and remit hotel occupancy tax directly to the City of Arlington; hosting-platform tax collection (e.g., Airbnb with the State) does not substitute for city registration/remittance.

Filing: monthly or quarterly

Rental Limits

Arlington does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be 29 days or fewer per stay.

Occupancy & Density Limits

2 persons per bedroom + 2 additional, capped at 12 persons total

Zoning & Restrictions

STRs are allowed only in RM-12 and RMF-22 residential districts, all non-residential/mixed-use districts, or the designated STR Zone (a ~1-mile area around Arlington's Entertainment District bounded by E. Lamar Blvd, Center St, E. Abram St, and the SH 360 frontage road); prohibited in other residential zoning districts outside that zone.

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $1,000,000 per occurrence in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• Pre-permit inspection for minimum health and safety compliance
• Smoke detectors
• Multiple means of egress in the event of fire
• Fire extinguisher
• No exposed electrical wiring or unapproved breaker box modifications

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Misdemeanor; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense. General violations punishable by a fine up to $500; violations of zoning, fire safety, or public health/sanitation provisions punishable by a fine up to $2,000. Permit may be revoked after more than two citations within 12 months, non-compliance with permit conditions, or a false statement on the application; revocation triggers a 1-year wait before a new permit may issue.

Platform Requirements

Hosting platforms must notify any owner listing an STR in Arlington, prior to listing, that the STR Chapter prohibits short-term rental of residential premises without an active STR permit.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Arlington:

1. Meet safety requirements. Pre-permit inspection for minimum health and safety compliance. Smoke detectors. Multiple means of egress in the event of fire. Fire extinguisher. No exposed electrical wiring or unapproved breaker box modifications.
2. Obtain liability insurance. $1,000,000 per occurrence minimum.
3. Apply for Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit — annual, owner- and location-specific, non-transferable. Submit application + $500 fee.
4. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with City of Arlington Treasury / Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts.
5. Collect and remit taxes. 15% on all bookings.
6. Renew annually. $500 renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Arlington?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Arlington requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Arlington?

A Short-Term Rental (STR) Permit in Arlington costs $500 per year.

Does Arlington require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Arlington allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Arlington?

Arlington does not cap the total number of nights per year, but each individual stay must be 29 days or fewer.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Arlington?

Short-term rental stays in Arlington are subject to a combined 15% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax + 9% Arlington City Hotel Occupancy Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Arlington?

Misdemeanor; each day of a continuing violation is a separate offense.