Executive summary: Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Lubbock but are strictly regulated. You may operate an STR only if it is your primary residence or a legal accessory dwelling unit. You must obtain an annual operating license (permit), register your listing with the City via MUNIRevs, collect and remit the Lubbock Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) at 7% on all bookings, and comply with city rules and state-level requirements. Long‑term rentals (30+ consecutive days) are not subject to STR registration or taxes, but must include a “30‑day minimum stay” in any advertisement.

Important notes:

• Regulations change; confirm current city/state guidance before opening or renewing a permit.
• County-level STR rules were not provided in the source set; only City of Lubbock and State of Texas requirements are summarized here.

1) What is a Short‑Term Rental (STR)?

• Definition: A STR is a primary residence or a legal accessory dwelling unit rented for less than 30 consecutive days. STRs require annual licensing and HOT remittance.
• Long‑term rental (LTR) threshold: Rents lasting 30 or more consecutive days are considered long‑term. If you operate strictly LTRs, include “30‑day minimum stay” in your advertisement. No STR registration or HOT payments are required for LTRs.
• Primary‑residence and accessory dwelling requirement: You may only operate an STR in your primary residence or a legal accessory dwelling unit.

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

2) Are STRs Allowed in Lubbock, TX?

• Yes, they are allowed, subject to the rules above.
• Licensing scope: The City defines STRs and requires an annual license to operate, enforced via the MUNIRevs portal.
• LTRs: If you only offer 30+ day stays, you do not need an STR license or to remit HOT, but you must include the 30‑day minimum in any advertisement.

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

3) How to Start an STR Business in Lubbock: Step‑by‑Step

1. Confirm zoning and eligibility with the City:

   • Contact the Planning Department to verify that your property is zoned for an STR and that it qualifies as either your primary residence or a legal accessory dwelling unit.
   • Planning Department phone: 806‑775‑2108.

2. Create a MUNIRevs account and apply for the annual STR permit:

   • Submit the application and pay the fee online using a debit/credit card.
   • Gather required information before applying (see next section).

3. Set up HOT remittance in MUNIRevs:

   • The City requires you to collect and remit Lubbock HOT at 7% on all bookings.
   • You can manage monthly filings in the MUNIRevs portal; payments are separate from any state taxes collected by hosting platforms.

4. Operate compliantly:

   • Maintain your annual permit; permits are valid for the calendar year and must be renewed upon expiration.
   • Keep records, respond to complaints promptly, and ensure adherence to city rules (e.g., neighborhood impacts).

5. Renew annually:

   • Use MUNIRevs for permit renewal and continued HOT filings.

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

4) Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• Annual STR operating license (permit) via MUNIRevs.
• Application information required:
  • List of all owners, operators, and agents (if applicable), including:
    • Names
    • Addresses
    • Current email addresses
    • Telephone numbers
  • Advertisement start date
  • 24‑hour contact person (owner, operator, or designated agent) responsible for responding to complaints
  • Permit fee (paid by debit/credit card through the online portal)
• Primary‑residence or legal accessory dwelling unit verification
• Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) setup and monthly remittance at 7%

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

5) Specific Regulations in Lubbock, Texas

• Eligibility: STRs must be operated within a primary residence or legal accessory dwelling unit.
• Advertising threshold: Any listing that allows rentals for fewer than 30 consecutive days requires an STR license and HOT remittance. If your rental is strictly long‑term, you must include a “30‑day minimum stay” in your advertisement; no STR registration or HOT is required for LTRs.
• Annual licensing: A license is required to operate an STR; valid for the calendar year; must be renewed.
• Platform administration: The City uses the MUNIRevs portal for applications and tax administration.
• HOT rate and remittance: 7% monthly HOT remittance in addition to any state taxes collected by platforms (e.g., Airbnb).

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

6) State‑Level (Texas) Considerations

Note: The source set did not include detailed Texas statutes; consult official state guidance for confirmation. Based on common state frameworks:

• Host platforms often collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (e.g., 6%) on bookings; Lubbock’s local HOT (7%) is collected separately via MUNIRevs.
• Confirm current state statutes and administrative code sections for exact rates and obligations.
• Local ordinances typically govern day‑count definitions and licensing; Lubbock uses “less than 30 consecutive days” for STR classification.

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

7) Compliance Workflow and Timeline

• Pre‑opening: Verify zoning and eligibility (call Planning, 806‑775‑2108).
• Application: Submit your STR permit application and fee in MUNIRevs.
• Operations: Collect 7% HOT and file monthly; keep listings current; ensure the property remains a primary residence or legal accessory dwelling unit.
• Annual renewal: Renew your STR permit each calendar year via MUNIRevs.
• Complaint handling: Maintain a 24‑hour responsible contact; respond promptly to neighbor and code concerns.

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

8) Enforcement and Background

• Background: In 2019, the City of Lubbock hired a consultant (LODGINGRevs) to structure STR registration and HOT enforcement, aiming to level the playing field with hotels and mitigate neighborhood impacts. The City has moved to the MUNIRevs portal for licensing and tax administration.
• Scope of issues: Council discussions have included noise, occupancy, parking/trash, party/event rentals, and neighborhood protection. Any STRs used as party/event venues are a focus of local policy concerns.
• Current enforcement: Registration and HOT remittance are mandatory. STRs must adhere to all city rules; compliance is tracked through the licensing portal.

Sources:

• LubbockOnline.com, “Lubbock taking steps to regulate short‑term rental houses” (July 14, 2019)
• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)

9) Contact Information

• Planning Department (zoning verification and general STR rules):
  • Phone: 806‑775‑2108
• STR licensing and application questions (City):
  • Contact: Karen Edwards, kedwards@mylubbock.us
  • Phone: 806‑775‑3849
• MUNIRevs portal (STR permit and HOT filings):
  • Support email: support@munirevs.com
  • Support phone: 1‑888‑751‑1911
• City of Lubbock STR page:
  • Website: ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/planning/short-term-rentals

Sources:

• Lubbock STR FAQ (ci.lubbock.tx.us storage PDF)
• City STR page (ci.lubbock.tx.us)

10) Important Links (Sources)

• City of Lubbock, Planning Department – Short‑Term Rentals page: ci.lubbock.tx.us/departments/planning/short-term-rentals
• Short‑Term Rental Frequently Asked Questions (PDF): ci.lubbock.tx.us/storage/images/EIQH7O0tk4RPxB4DROwx2By6lvqXSVm76DvwB3c5.pdf
• LubbockOnline.com news article (July 14, 2019): www.lubbockonline.com/story/news/2019/07/14/lubbock-taking-steps-to-regulate-short-term-rental-houses/4697243007/

Notes for investors:

• The City moved STR registration and HOT administration from LODGINGRevs to MUNIRevs; the MUNIRevs portal is the current path for permits and monthly HOT filings.
• Keep a clear compliance record and maintain your 24‑hour contact response plan. STRs that function as party/event venues are likely to draw code enforcement attention and neighborhood complaints.