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

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Keller, Texas, but they are subject to municipal regulations. As of 2022, Keller City Council was in the process of developing and considering its first comprehensive short-term rental ordinance. While the provided content shows this was still under discussion and development during 2022, the general framework indicates that STRs will be permitted with specific regulations, registration requirements, and compliance measures.

The city's approach aims to balance property owners' constitutional rights to operate STRs with neighbors' rights to quality of life, addressing common concerns such as parking, trash, parties, and noise violations.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Keller, TX

Starting an STR business in Keller requires following a structured process based on the regulations under consideration:

1. Property Eligibility Assessment

• Ensure your property is located in an approved area (residential districts, Town Center, Old Town Keller, and Center Stage planned development)
• Verify you have only one STR per lot or per building (important for duplexes or townhomes)
• Confirm the property has adequate parking on an approved surface

2. Registration Process

• Complete annual registration with the city
• Provide 24/7 contact information for the owner
• Designate multiple contacts living within a reasonable distance of the property
• Submit to property inspections to confirm bedroom count and safety features

3. Compliance Setup

• Install proper safety equipment (smoke detectors, fire extinguishers)
• Ensure all bedrooms have two ingress/egress access points
• Establish on-site parking arrangements meeting city requirements
• Create guest rules documentation addressing noise, trash, and behavior

4. Business Operations

• Market your property in compliance with all regulations
• Maintain detailed rental records for tax and regulatory compliance
• Monitor guest behavior and enforce community standards
• Respond promptly to any code violations or neighbor complaints

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Required Documents:

• Annual STR registration application
• Proof of property ownership or legal authorization
• Site plan showing parking arrangements
• Emergency contact information and property access details
• Guest rules and regulations documentation
• Proof of insurance (if required)

Permits and Licenses:

• Annual STR registration permit
• Building permits (if renovations required for safety compliance)
• Fire safety inspections and approvals
• Parking permits (if applicable)

Key Operational Guidelines:

• Maximum rental period: 30 days to any single guest
• Maximum annual rental days: 180 days
• Guest limit: 2 people per bedroom
• Parking: All guests must park on approved surfaces on-site
• Noise and trash ordinances apply at all times
• Events requiring city permits are prohibited

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Keller Regulations:

Operational Limits:

• Duration Limits: Maximum 30 consecutive days to any single guest
• Annual Limits: Maximum 180 rental days per calendar year
• Guest Limits: Maximum 2 guests per legal bedroom
• Property Limits: One STR per lot, one per building in multi-unit structures

Safety Requirements:

• All bedrooms must have two separate ingress/egress access points
• Enhanced fire safety regulations apply year-round
• Regular safety inspections may be required
• Smoke detectors and fire safety equipment must be maintained

Parking and Site Requirements:

• All guest parking must be on approved surfaces on-site
• No street parking by STR guests
• Property must maintain residential appearance standards

Compliance and Enforcement:

• Three-Strike Rule: Three code violations in one year result in six-month registration suspension
• 24/7 contact availability required for property management
• Compliance with all noise, trash, and nuisance ordinances mandatory
• Municipal hotel occupancy tax collection required

Prohibited Activities:

• Events requiring city permits (parties, gatherings exceeding occupancy limits)
• Rentals exceeding maximum duration or annual limits
• Exceeding posted occupancy limits

Tarrant County Level:

While the focus is on city regulations, Tarrant County may have additional requirements for:

• Property taxes and business operations
• Health and safety standards
• Emergency services access

State of Texas Requirements:

Hotel Occupancy Tax:

• Municipal hotel occupancy tax applies to STRs
• State hotel occupancy tax (6%) applies to all STRs
• Tax collection and remittance required for all rentals under 30 days

State Law Protection:

• Texas law protects homeowners' constitutional rights to operate STRs
• Cities cannot completely prohibit STRs but can regulate them
• Right to short-term rentals must be balanced with neighborhood protection

Business License Requirements:

• Standard business registration may be required
• Sales tax permit if applicable
• Professional liability insurance recommended

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Keller - Short-Term Rental Authority

Primary Contact:

• Phone: 817-743-4000
• Address: 1100 Bear Creek Parkway, Keller, TX 76248
• Mailing Address: PO Box 770, Keller, TX 76244
• Website: www.cityofkeller.com

Department for STR Matters:

• Community Development Department (for zoning and registration questions)
• Building & Construction Services (for permits and inspections)
• Code Compliance (for violation reporting and enforcement)

Key Staff Contacts (as of 2022):

• Community Development Director: Julie Smith
• City Attorney: Stanton Lowry
• Mayor: Armin Mizani

City Council Contact:

• Phone: 817-743-4000
• Email: Contact through City Secretary's office
• Meeting Schedule: Regular meetings with public comment periods

Additional Important Contacts:

Planning & Zoning Commission:

• Contact: Through Community Development Department
• Public Hearing Schedule: Check city website for current meeting times

Tarrant County Tax Office:

• Phone: 817-884-1100
• Website: tax.tarrantcounty.com
• Purpose: Hotel occupancy tax questions and state tax compliance

Texas Comptroller:

• Phone: 1-800-252-5555
• Website: comptroller.texas.gov
• Purpose: State hotel occupancy tax information and business tax questions

Important Source Links

• City of Keller - Official Website: www.cityofkeller.com
• Keller City News - STR Article (June 29, 2022): cityofkeller.com/Home/Components/News/News/8374
• Community Impact - STR Coverage (July 6, 2022): communityimpact.com/dallas-fort-worth/keller-roanoke-northeast-fort-worth/city-county/2022/07/06/keller-city-council-discusses-possible-regulations-for-short-term-rentals
• City Council Meeting Agendas: cityofkeller.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx
• Keller Code of Ordinances: www.cityofkeller.com/about-us/code-of-ordinances

Note: This guide is based on information available as of 2022. STR regulations can change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the City of Keller before starting or operating a short-term rental business. Consider consulting with local legal counsel familiar with Texas STR laws for the most current compliance guidance.