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Arlington, TX

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STR Regulations for Arlington, Texas

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Arlington, TX?

Yes, short-term rentals ARE explicitly allowed in Arlington, Texas under specific conditions. On April 23, 2019, the Arlington City Council adopted two ordinances that permit short-term rentals within designated areas and zoning districts. These regulations came into effect on August 1, 2019, establishing Arlington as a city that permits—but strictly regulates—short-term rentals (defined as residential structures or portions thereof used for lodging accommodations to occupants for periods less than 30 consecutive days).

The regulatory framework balances STR opportunities with neighborhood preservation, focusing on the Entertainment District and adjacent residential areas. Arlington's approach is one of controlled implementation rather than prohibition, making it a viable market for STR investors who can navigate the compliance requirements.

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How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Arlington

Strategic Planning Phase

  1. Site Selection Analysis

    • Verify property location against the designated STR Zone using the city's GIS mapping tools
    • Confirm zoning district eligibility (RM-12, RMF-22, non-residential, or mixed-use districts)
    • Evaluate proximity to the Entertainment District boundary (approximately one mile radius)

  2. Market Assessment

    • Research comparable STR properties in the eligible zone
    • Analyze demand patterns related to major Arlington attractions (AT&T Stadium, Globe Life Park, Six Flags)
    • Project revenue potential while accounting for the 24-hour minimum stay requirement

Legal Structure Development

  1. Entity Formation

    • Establish appropriate business entity (LLC, corporation, etc.)
    • Obtain federal EIN and state tax identification
    • Create separation between personal and business assets

  2. Zoning Compliance Verification

    • Conduct formal zoning verification through the city's GIS system
    • Confirm no homeowner association restrictions that would prohibit STRs
    • Verify property is not located within a deed-restricted community

Application and Registration Process

  1. City Registration Account Creation

    • Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax account ( HOT registration required)
    • Contact arlington.hot@arlingtontx.gov for HOT registration assistance
    • Obtain City Registration Account number for HOT remittance

  2. Permit Application Submission

    • Complete online application at ArlingtonPermits.com
    • Or submit in-person with planning development staff
    • Application must be filed with all required documentation simultaneously

Operational Preparation

  1. Property Preparation

    • Complete required safety inspections
    • Implement necessary improvements for code compliance
    • Install required safety equipment (smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguisher)
    • Prepare dimensioned floor plans with emergency evacuation routes

  2. Insurance Procurement

    • Obtain minimum $1 million liability insurance coverage
    • Ensure certificate naming the City of Arlington as certificate holder
    • Establish proper naming conventions matching legal property ownership

  3. Host Rules Development

    • Create comprehensive rules covering all city-mandated regulations
    • Translate rules into multiple languages if serving diverse clientele
    • Prepare digital and physical copies for guest distribution

  4. Operating System Setup

    • Integrate STR permit number into all advertising materials
    • Establish booking calendar management
    • Create check-in/out procedures and guest communication protocols
    • Develop local responsible party coordination system

Post-Approval Operations

  1. Permit Display and Documentation

    • Post approved permit conspicuously inside front entrance
    • Create guest information packet with host rules
    • Establish file system for maintaining compliance documentation

  2. Ongoing Compliance Management

    • Schedule annual permit renewal 30 days before expiration
    • Establish monthly HOT remittance schedule
    • Create property maintenance and neighbor relations protocol
    • Implement complaint response system

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Permits and Licenses

Short-Term Rental Permit (Primary Requirement)

  • Application must be filed with City of Arlington
  • Permit is site-specific and non-transferable
  • One permit per property address
  • Must be renewed annually (expires last day of month one year after issuance)

Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration

  • Required for all STR operations
  • Obtained through City Finance Department
  • City Registration Account number necessary for permit application
  • Ongoing monthly remittance obligations

Required Documentation Package

Owner Information

  • Legal name, address, and contact information
  • Authenticated signature on application
  • Proof of legal or equitable interest in property

Operator/Responsible Party Information

  • Designated local responsible party with contact details
  • Must be available 24/7 while guests are on premises
  • Authorized to make decisions regarding property and occupants
  • Must be able to respond in person within one hour of city request

Property Documentation

  • City registration number for Hotel Occupancy Tax
  • Plot plan identifying off-street parking spaces
  • Dimensioned floor plan showing bedrooms, living spaces, and emergency routes
  • Proof of insurance coverage (minimum $1 million per occurrence)
  • HOA information (if applicable)

Operational Guidelines

  • Proposed host rules covering all city-mandated regulations
  • STR Authorization form (if applicant does not own property)
  • Property maintenance compliance certification

Safety and Compliance Inspections

Pre-Operation Inspection Required

  • Conducted by City Building Inspections Division
  • Covers life safety, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems
  • Must pass inspection before permit issuance
  • Reinspection fees apply for failed inspections

Specific Inspection Items

  • Functional exterior egress doors
  • Operable emergency escape windows/doors
  • Smoke alarms in bedrooms and common areas
  • Carbon monoxide alarms outside bedrooms (if gas appliances or attached garage)
  • Fire extinguisher (2A:10B:C minimum)
  • Functional stairways and handrails
  • Compliant electrical panel with proper working space
  • GFCI protection in bathrooms and kitchens
  • Water heater T&P valve discharge location
  • Address posting (minimum 4" height)
  • Posted floor plan with fire exits and escape routes

Regulatory Compliance Documents

Host Rules (Mandatory Content)

  • Maximum occupancy restrictions (2 per bedroom + 2, max 12)
  • Parking limitations to off-street spaces
  • Trash pickup schedules and placement restrictions (after 7 PM previous day)
  • Sound equipment restrictions (10 PM to 9 AM prohibited)
  • Congregation restrictions (10 PM to 9 AM)
  • Special events prohibition
  • Curfew requirements

Financial Compliance Documentation

  • HOT remittance records
  • Occupancy history records (must maintain and provide upon request)
  • Insurance policy and cancellation notice procedures
  • Business license renewals

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Zoning and Location Restrictions

Eligible Zoning Districts for New Residential Structures

  • RM-12 (Residential, Medium Density)
  • RMF-22 (Residential, Multi-family)

Eligible Zoning Districts for Existing Residential Structures

  • All non-residential zoning districts
  • All mixed-use zoning districts
  • Within designated STR Zone (anchored by Entertainment District)

Designated STR Zone Boundaries

  • North: East Lamar Boulevard
  • West: Center Street
  • South: East Abram Street
  • East: Southbound State Highway 360 Frontage Road

Operational Restrictions

Occupancy Limitations

  • Maximum 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional persons
  • Hard cap of 12 total occupants regardless of bedroom count
  • Includes children in all occupancy calculations
  • Visual inspection of more than 12 persons constitutes prima facie evidence of violation

Stay Duration Requirements

  • Minimum stay of 24 hours (no same-day check-in/check-out)
  • Maximum stay less than 30 consecutive days
  • Does not include bed and breakfast establishments as defined in Unified Development Code

Physical Modifications

  • Physical conversion of premises to add bedrooms prohibited
  • Garage conversions to living space prohibited
  • Paving or covering pervious soil for additional parking prohibited without prior approval
  • Any modifications must comply with building codes and zoning regulations

Guest Conduct Regulations

Noise and Sound Equipment Restrictions

  • Amplified sound equipment producing sound beyond property line prohibited between 10 PM and 9 AM
  • No outdoor congregation between 10 PM and 9 AM
  • Quiet hours strictly enforced

Parking Restrictions

  • Limited to number of available off-street spaces
  • Parking on residential streets near STR prohibited
  • No RVs, boats, commercial vehicles allowed on premises or nearby streets
  • Only approved surfaces for parking

Waste Management Requirements

  • Trash placement on curb after 7 PM evening prior to scheduled pickup only
  • No placement on non-pickup days
  • Owner responsible for ensuring guest compliance

Special Event Prohibitions

Banned Activities

  • Advertising or promoting special events (weddings, receptions, parties, etc.)
  • Using premises as banquet hall
  • Assembling large numbers of invitees
  • Any commercial event requiring special occupancy permits

Permit Administration

Permit Display Requirements

  • Copy of approved permit posted conspicuously inside front entrance
  • Permit number must appear in all advertising materials
  • Unauthorized permit number usage prohibited

Renewal Process

  • Application for renewal may be filed 30 days before expiration
  • Annual renewal required with updated documentation
  • Late renewal treated as new permit application
  • One-time extension up to 10 days may be granted at administrator discretion

Permit Revocation Triggers

  • More than two citations within preceding 12-month period
  • Failure to comply with permit conditions after 10-day notice
  • False statements in application
  • Other disqualifying conditions

Financial Obligations

Hotel Occupancy Tax Requirements

  • Payment required under state law and Taxation Chapter of Arlington City Code
  • Monthly remittance schedule
  • Must provide occupancy history within 30 days of city request
  • Failure to pay constitutes violation

Fee Structure

  • Permit fees established by City Council resolution
  • Reinspection fees for failed inspections
  • Administrative costs for enforcement

Appeal Process

Administrative Appeal Rights

  • Appeal denial or revocation to Administrator within 10 days
  • Hearing conducted within 20 days of appeal filing
  • Decision by Administrator or hearing officer
  • Further appeal to City Appeal Officer within 10 days

Appeal Decision Factors

  • Number of violations, convictions, or liability findings
  • Previous permit revocations
  • Repeat violations at same location
  • Degree of endangerment to public health, safety, welfare
  • Pending actions by other agencies

Enforcement Mechanisms

Discontinuance Requirements

  • Non-compliant operations must cease by specified dates
  • Unpermitted operations require immediate discontinuance
  • Permit expiration requires discontinuance by expiration date

Penalty Structure

  • Misdemeanor violations with daily fines
  • Up to $500 for violations without prescribed mental state
  • Up to $2,000 for fire safety, zoning, or public health violations
  • Each day of violation constitutes separate offense

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

While Arlington has established specific local regulations, short-term rental operators must also comply with applicable Texas state requirements:

Hotel Occupancy Tax

  • Texas Tax Code Chapter 156 imposes hotel occupancy tax on STRs
  • Currently 6% state rate plus applicable local taxes
  • Monthly filing and remittance required
  • Arlington collects and administers local portion

Consumer Protection

  • Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act applies to STR advertising
  • Truth-in-advertising requirements
  • Cancellation policy disclosure requirements
  • Refund policy transparency

Liability and Insurance

  • Texas law requires adequate insurance for rental operations
  • Host liability exposure under premises liability principles
  • Guest injury claim procedures
  • Property damage responsibility allocation

Fair Housing

  • Federal Fair Housing Act applies to STR operations
  • Prohibition against discriminatory rental practices
  • Accommodation requirements for guests with disabilities
  • Advertising compliance with fair housing standards

Tax Reporting

  • STR income reportable on federal tax returns
  • Schedule E reporting for rental income and expenses
  • Business expense deductions available
  • Quarterly estimated tax payment requirements

Safety and Building Codes

  • International Residential Code (IRC) standards apply
  • Local adoption of building codes for STR safety requirements
  • Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical code compliance
  • Fire safety standard enforcement

Contact Information for Local Authorities

Primary STR Regulatory Contacts

Planning and Development Services Department

Hotel Occupancy Tax Administration

  • Email: arlington.hot@arlingtontx.gov
  • Responsible for HOT registration and compliance
  • Processes HOT remittance questions and filings

Code Enforcement and Compliance

Short-Term Rental Hotline (Complaints)

Code Compliance Department

  • Address: 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010
  • Phone: 817-459-6777
  • Responsible for enforcement of STR regulations
  • Handles violations and citation processes

Permitting and Inspections

Building Inspections Division

  • Address: 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010
  • Phone: 817-459-6500
  • Responsible for STR inspection requirements
  • Issues inspection compliance certifications

Permitting Counter

  • Address: 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
  • Walk-in assistance for permit applications
  • Document review and submission services

Administrative and Appeal Contacts

City Secretary's Office

  • Address: 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010
  • Phone: 817-459-6101
  • Maintains official STR ordinances and regulations
  • Provides access to adopted ordinance texts

Administrator (STR Program)

  • Contact through Planning and Development Services
  • Handles permit applications and denials
  • Administers revocation procedures

City Appeal Officer

  • Designated by City Manager for STR appeals
  • Contact through Planning and Development Services
  • Final administrative appeal level

Finance and Tax Administration

Finance Department

  • Address: 101 W. Abram St., Arlington, TX 76010
  • Phone: 817-459-6100
  • Responsible for HOT administration
  • Processes tax filings and remittances

Mapping and GIS Services

GIS Mapping System

Important Links and Source Pages

Primary Regulatory Documents

City of Arlington STR Landing Page

ArlingtonPermits.com (Online Application System)

Zoning and Mapping Resources

STR Eligible Location Map

GIS Online Mapping System

STR Zone Aerial Map (PDF)

  • /files/assets/city/v/2/planning-and-development-services/documents/str/str-zone-aerial.pdf
  • Visual representation of STR Zone boundaries
  • Geographic reference for investors
  • Entertainment District proximity visualization

Legal and Regulatory Framework

Short-Term Rental Chapter (Complete Ordinance)

  • /files/assets/city/v/2/city-secretary/documents/city-code-of-ordinances/short-term-rental-chapter.pdf
  • Complete legal text of STR regulations
  • Section-by-section breakdown
  • Official adopted language

UDC Amendment Ordinance (STR)

  • /files/assets/city/v/2/planning-and-development-services/documents/str/adopted-ordinance-udc-amendment-short-term-rentals-04-23-2019.pdf
  • Zoning code amendments enabling STRs
  • Development standards modifications
  • Historical ordinance adoption process

Application and Compliance Resources

STR Authorization Template

  • /files/assets/city/v/2/planning-and-development-services/documents/str/str-authorization-template.pdf
  • Required form for non-owner operators
  • Legal authorization documentation
  • Template for property owner consent

Short-Term Rental Inspection Checklist

  • /files/assets/city/v/2/planning-and-development-services/documents/str/short-term-rental-inspection-checklist.pdf
  • Detailed inspection requirements
  • Room-by-room compliance verification
  • Building code references

STR Frequently Asked Questions

  • /files/assets/city/v/2/planning-and-development-services/documents/str/str-frequently-asked-questions.pdf
  • Comprehensive FAQ addressing common questions
  • Clarification of regulatory requirements
  • Guidance for typical scenarios

Complaint and Enforcement Resources

Host Compliance Reporting Portal

Fee and Administrative Resources

Planning and Development Fee Calculator

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Arlington

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
6/ 12
months with declining YoY revenue
5–7 declining months: moderate saturation risk - market may be nearing capacity.
View Full Arlington Market Analysis →

Photos of Arlington

Overview of Arlington

Arlington, Texas, located approximately 20 miles west of downtown Dallas and 15 miles east of downtown Fort Worth, is a mid-sized city with a population of approximately 400,000 residents. It is part of the Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington metropolitan area, making it conveniently situated for visitors who wish to explore the larger metropolitan region.

Arlington is known for its significant entertainment and sports venues, which make it an appealing destination for short-term rentals. The city houses the AT&T Stadium (home of the Dallas Cowboys), Globe Life Field (home of the Texas Rangers), and the Six Flags Over Texas amusement park. Each of these landmarks draws substantial visitor traffic, contributing to the demand for short-term accommodations.

AT&T Stadium: AT&T Stadium

Globe Life Field: Globe Life Field

Six Flags Over Texas: Six Flags Over Texas

Additionally, Arlington's University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) contributes to a steady influx of visitors, including prospective students, faculty, and sports event attendees. The city's thriving cultural scene includes the Arlington Museum of Art and the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, both offering year-round events and exhibits.

Arlington's strategic location, vibrant attractions, and extensive amenities make it an attractive spot for short-term rentals. Whether visiting for sports events, family entertainment, academic pursuits, or cultural experiences, guests can find a wide range of accommodation options to suit their needs.

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