Regulations >
Texas >
Arlington

Want to see how Arlington compares to other top cities in Texas?  Explore all city regulations in Texas. →

B

Arlington, TX

Generally Investor Friendly

Local STR Agent

Local STR Agent

Arlington STR Expert
Arlington, Texas skyline

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Arlington?

Arlington hosts earn a median $29,096/year with $204 ADR and 55% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $41,323+ per year.

See the full Arlington market breakdown

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

Next step

Found a property in Arlington?

Paste any address and get estimated revenue, cash-on-cash return, and comparable STR performance in under 5 minutes. 3 free analyses per day.

Ask the AI Advisor about Arlington

Free brief

Get the free Arlington STR Investment Brief

Revenue data, top neighborhoods, seasonal trends, and the key regulations for Arlington, Texas in one email.

Arlington

Market Saturation Score

036912
Moderate Saturation
7/ 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 sits in Tarrant County in the heart of the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, with a population of roughly 390,000 residents, making it one of the largest cities in North Texas. Often described as the entertainment capital of the region, Arlington is best known for its dense cluster of major sports venues, theme parks, and family attractions, and it serves as a convenient gateway between Dallas, about 20 miles to the east, and Fort Worth, roughly 15 miles to the west. The city's identity is shaped by big events, big crowds, and easy highway access from across the metroplex.

Sports tourism is arguably Arlington's biggest draw, anchored by AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys that also hosts college football classics, major concerts, boxing matches, and other high-profile events. Just next door, Globe Life Field is the ballpark of the Texas Rangers, and a short walk away the original Rangers stadium has been reimagined as a mixed-use district of restaurants, offices, and public space. Together these venues create a year-round calendar of NFL, MLB, college, and live-music events that draw visitors from across Texas and beyond.

For families and thrill-seekers, Six Flags Over Texas is one of the original legacy theme parks in the country, opened in 1961, and remains a regional anchor attraction with roller coasters, family rides, and seasonal events like Fright Fest. Adjacent to it, Six Flags Hurricane Harbor is a sprawling water park that extends the summer season and gives the property a dual identity as both a thrill-ride destination and a place to cool off. The combination of two major theme parks and two pro-sports stadiums within a few miles of each other is unusual for a mid-size American city.

Beyond the marquee venues, Arlington offers a more relaxed side along the Trinity River, where River Legacy Parks provide miles of paved and natural-surface trails for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, along with a nature center focused on the Blackland Prairie ecosystem. The University of Texas at Arlington anchors a growing district of restaurants, coffee shops, and small live-music venues, and the Levitt Pavilion hosts a long-running schedule of free outdoor concerts through the warmer months. The Parks Mall at Arlington and surrounding retail corridors round out the city's appeal for shopping-focused visitors.

All of this makes Arlington a natural fit for short-term rentals. Its central location between Dallas and Fort Worth, paired with consistent event-driven demand from NFL and MLB games, theme park trips, college move-ins at UTA, and a steady stream of concerts and tournaments, gives property owners a dependable year-round mix of travelers. With DFW International Airport roughly 15 miles away and major interstates slicing through the city, Arlington is an easy, well-connected base for visitors who want big-city attractions without paying downtown Dallas or downtown Fort Worth prices.

Want to know if a property in Arlington is a good investment?

Enter an address to get instant revenue potential and comps.