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

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Garland, TX but are subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the city's Code Compliance Department. The city defines short-term rentals as properties located within a residential zoning district or within 200 feet of a residential zoning district that are advertised for rent, lease, license, or use for periods less than 32 calendar days.

Garland has implemented increasingly stringent regulations, with the most recent updates taking effect in September 2025. The city requires registration, annual licensing, regular inspections, and strict compliance with operational requirements. Properties must meet minimum housing standards and additional STR-specific requirements.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Garland

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, confirm your property is within a residential zoning district or within 200 feet of one. The 200-foot proximity rule applies even if your property isn't directly zoned residential.

Step 2: Obtain Required Insurance

Secure liability insurance for your STR property. This is a mandatory requirement that must be maintained continuously as a condition of licensing.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Gather the following documentation:

• Completed permit application for each STR property
• Copy of property floor plan
• Proof of liability insurance
• Owner and management company information
• Occupancy limit certifications
• Smoke detector certifications

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Submit your application to the Code Compliance Department with:

• Annual license fee: $500 (this represents a significant increase from the previous $65 fee)
• Application processing time varies

Step 5: Schedule and Complete Inspection

All STR properties must undergo a full inspection prior to permit issuance and annually for renewal. Contact Code Compliance to schedule your inspection.

Step 6: Comply with Ongoing Requirements

After receiving your permit, maintain compliance with:

• 48-hour minimum stay requirement
• Annual inspections
• Landline phone installation
• Neighbor notification requirements
• Placard display requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licensing Requirements

• Annual STR License: $500 per property
• Application Form: Available through Code Compliance Department
• Permit Duration: Valid for one year, must be renewed annually
• Transferability: Permits cannot be assigned or transferred to new owners

Mandatory Documentation

• Property floor plan (to-scale drawing)
• Proof of liability insurance
• Owner identification and contact information
• Management company details (if applicable)
• 24-hour monitoring contact information

Safety and Compliance Certifications

• Smoke detector installation and functionality certification
• Occupancy limit certification
• Compliance with minimum housing standards

Communication Infrastructure

• Functioning landline telephone with registered number
• Number posted conspicuously near front entrance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements

Minimum Stay Requirements

• 48-hour minimum stay per booking (recently increased from 24 hours)
• Designed to reduce party-related bookings and increase responsible use

Occupancy and Use Limits

• STRs must comply with city-defined occupancy limits
• Properties must meet minimum housing standards
• Subject to Chapter 26.64 prohibited conduct regulations

Communication and Monitoring Requirements

• Landline Required: Premises must have functioning landline telephone
• Landline number must be provided to Garland Police Department
• Number displayed prominently within 5 feet of front door in 18-point font
• 24-hour monitoring requirement by owner or designated manager

Neighbor Relations and Community Standards

Adjacent Property Owner Notification

• Annual written notice required to all immediately adjoining properties
• Includes properties across alleys and streets
• Notice must contain:
  • Full names of all owners and property managers
  • Current telephone numbers for 24-hour monitoring
• Updates required when contact information changes

Property Identification

• Placard Required: Display within 5 feet of front door or main entrance
• 18-point font requirement for visibility
• Must include:
  • Full name of owner or property manager
  • Landline telephone number of premises
  • 24-hour management contact number

Parking and Traffic Management

Guest Parking Restrictions

• No on-street parking permitted for STR guests
• Citations issued by city marshals for violations
• Addresses resident complaints about driveway blocking and emergency vehicle access

Health and Safety Standards

Annual Inspection Requirements

• Full inspection required before initial permit issuance
• Annual inspection required for permit renewal
• Properties must be vacant during inspection
• Copy of inspection report provided to responsible party
• Properties may face permit suspension for non-compliance

Insurance Requirements

• Proof of liability insurance required with application
• Insurance must be maintained throughout licensing period

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Tracking

• Three violations in one year results in license suspension
• Citations issued by city marshals for parking violations
• Repeat violators may face compliance agreements with additional restrictions

Enforcement Tools

• City marshals enforce parking restrictions
• Code compliance officers conduct inspections
• Neighborhood police officers respond to violations
• Non-emergency reporting platform available for resident complaints

Permit Status

• Permits cannot be assigned or transferred
• Habitual violators may lose ability to operate in the city
• Compliance agreements with additional regulations possible

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

While Texas has not implemented comprehensive statewide STR regulations, several state laws impact short-term rental operations:

Hotel Occupancy Tax

• STR operators must collect and remit hotel occupancy tax
• Tax rate varies by jurisdiction (typically 6-8%)
• Monthly or quarterly remittance requirements

Local Authority Preemption

• Texas law allows cities to regulate STRs through zoning and licensing
• Cities can impose stricter requirements than state law
• Garland's regulations are within municipal authority

Property Rights

• STR operators have property rights under Texas law
• Cities must provide due process for license revocation
• Appeals processes must be available

Contact Information for Local Authority

Code Compliance Department

Primary Contact for STR Licensing and Compliance

• Address: 210 Carver Suite 101, Garland, TX 75040
• Phone: (972) 485-6400
• Email: Contact via main office
• Services: Applications, inspections, violations, general inquiries

General City Contact

• Address: 200 N. Fifth St., Garland, TX 75040
• Mailing: P.O. Box 469002, Garland, TX 75046
• Phone: (972) 205-2000
• Email: garland@garlandtx.gov

Emergency and Enforcement

• Non-emergency reporting: Available through city platform
• Code compliance violations: Contact Code Compliance Department
• Parking violations: Enforced by city marshals

Source Pages and References

• STR Informational Page - Official city regulations and requirements
• Single Family/Short Term Rental Program - Application process and fees
• City of Garland Code of Ordinances - Complete municipal code including Chapter 26.64 prohibited conduct
• Garland STR Regulatory Changes - Recent regulatory updates announcement

Important Compliance Notes

• Enforcement of new regulations began September 11, 2025
• Properties with three violations in a year face license suspension
• Annual inspections are mandatory for all STRs
• The $500 annual license fee represents a significant increase requiring financial planning
• 48-hour minimum stay requirement may impact booking strategy and revenue optimization
• No on-street parking restriction requires adequate off-street parking availability

STR operators in Garland must maintain continuous compliance with evolving regulations and should establish relationships with Code Compliance officers for guidance on ongoing requirements.