Dallas Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-06
TL;DR
Dallas does not require a specific STR permit. Combined tax rate is 15% (6% state + 9% city). No annual day limit, but each stay must be 29 days or fewer.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✗ Not required
Primary Residence ✗ Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit — 29 days or fewer
Tax Rate 15% (6% state + 9% city)
Max Penalty $500 per violation
Insurance $500,000 liability required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Dallas does not require a specific STR permit at this time. Check with local government for any zoning or business license requirements.

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax 6% State of Texas
Dallas City Hotel Occupancy Tax 9% City of Dallas

Combined rate: 15% of gross rental income.

Filing: monthly or quarterly

Rental Limits

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

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Operators must maintain at least $500,000 in liability insurance covering the property's use as a short-term rental.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

$50 penalty plus 5% if 1–30 days late, 10% if over 30 days late; interest accrues beginning 61 days after due date

Compliance Checklist

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

  1. Obtain liability insurance. $500,000 minimum.
  2. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Texas Comptroller.
  3. Collect and remit taxes. 15% on all bookings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Dallas?
Dallas does not require a dedicated short-term rental permit, but you must register for and remit applicable lodging taxes. Confirm local zoning rules still allow short-term rentals at your property before listing.
Does Dallas require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
No. Dallas does not impose a primary-residence requirement, so non-owner-occupied rentals are allowed.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Dallas?
Dallas 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 Dallas?
Short-term rental stays in Dallas are subject to a combined 15% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax + 9% Dallas City Hotel Occupancy Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

Official Sources

  1. Short-Term Rentals - Code Compliance Department
  2. Chapter 42B Short-Term Rentals - Dallas Code of Ordinances
  3. Hotel Occupancy Tax - Texas Comptroller
  4. Hotel Occupancy Tax - Dallas City Controller
  5. Chapter 42B STR Registration Fee - Dallas Code of Ordinances
  6. Chapter 42B STR Penalties - Dallas Code of Ordinances
  7. Chapter 42B STR Insurance Requirements - Dallas Code of Ordinances