Dallas, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations

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Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson

Last updated August 23, 2023

Dallas Short-Term Rental Regulations

Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.

City Code of Ordinances

A short-term rental registration is required. Short-term rental is any residential property or part of a property rented for 30 days or less. This includes homes or other units, such as a garage apartment or backyard cottage, listed for rent on Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and similar websites.

Ordinances and Zoning are subject to changes and should always be confirmed with the  Dallas Code of Compliance Department.

Business License Requirements

Short-term rental owners must register their property with the City of Dallas. For more information on how to register your property, click here.

Building and Housing Standards

Dallas has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing.

For more information, consult the Dallas Single-Family Rental Registration and Inspection Program and ​Frequently Asked Questions

Tourist and Local Taxes

The city collects 7% of the cost of the room. This does not include the cost of any food served or personal services not related to cleaning and readying the space for the guest. For more information, view this page

Other Rules

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of Dallas for more information. 
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  • Short Term City Rating
    5.4
  • Competition

    2.2
  • Real Estate Cost

    6.1
  • STR Regulations

    4.0
  • Seasonality

    8.9
  • Rental Rates

    6.0

Dallas, Texas Quick Stats

Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.

Population
1,304,379
STR License Required
Yes
Tourist Season
June to August
County
Dallas
Airports
Dallas Love Field (DAL)
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW)
Review our Dallas Texas short-term rental analytics guide, including rates, property types and other metrics

Want to learn more about Dallas?

Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.

Check out our Dallas rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Dallas rental market.

City Activities

Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Dallas.

City Attractions

The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.

Dallas Rental Rates & Fees

Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.

Property Types & Sizes

What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Dallas guests.

Interested in other Texas cities?

Check out the Texas Airbnb rules directory 

What makes Dallas a great place to invest?

  • Vibrant Arts and Culture Scene: Dallas boasts a thriving arts scene that is sure to impress. The Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous urban arts district in the nation, is home to gems such as the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art. Don't miss the opportunity to catch a live performance at the iconic Winspear Opera House or the Meyerson Symphony Center.
  • Thrilling Sports Experience: Sports enthusiasts will be thrilled to cheer on Dallas' renowned professional sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), the Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Dallas Stars (NHL). Take in a game at the AT&T Stadium, often referred to as "Jerry World", or the American Airlines Center for an unforgettable experience.
  • Shopping Extravaganza: Shopaholics, rejoice! Dallas offers a diverse shopping experience, from upscale boutiques in Highland Park Village to the eclectic shops in Bishop Arts District. Head to the NorthPark Center for a blend of luxury retailers and art installations, or check out the Galleria Dallas, complete with an indoor ice-skating rink!
  • Exquisite Culinary Adventures: Dallas' culinary scene is a melting pot of flavors, with a diverse range of cuisines and dining experiences. Indulge in authentic Tex-Mex, Texas barbecue, or farm-to-table offerings from award-winning chefs. Visit the historic Deep Ellum neighborhood for a taste of local craft beer, artisanal cocktails, and live music.
  • Outdoor Oasis: The city offers a wealth of outdoor activities, with more than 400 parks and 160 miles of hiking and biking trails. Explore the picturesque beauty of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, or wander around White Rock Lake for a scenic urban retreat. Adventure seekers can also kayak along the Trinity River or zipline through the Trinity Forest Adventure Park.
  • Rich Historical Experiences: Delve into Dallas' fascinating history by visiting sites such as the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, dedicated to preserving the legacy of President John F. Kennedy. Explore the Dallas Heritage Village for a glimpse into 19th-century Texas life, or uncover the city's rich African-American history at the African American Museum of Dallas.

Dallas Nearby Cities

Local Real Estate

How expensive is the real estate in Dallas?

The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Dallas has decreased -1% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $252, which is higher than the national average.

Median Sale Price

$475,495

-1% YoY

Median per Square Foot

$252

-3% YoY

Average Monthly Rent

$1,841

1% YoY

Property Descriptions

The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Dallas, Texas

Word Cloud for Dallas, Texas Short Term Rentals

Common terms for Dallas short term rental listings.

When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.

Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:

  • Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
  • Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
  • Informative: The average listing in Dallas has a description approximately 1,456 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.

After reviewing more than 11,735 listings in Dallas, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Dalla, Place, Spacious, Perfect, Pool, Downtown Dallas, Comfortable, Relax, Feel, and Backyard.

What are the most popular tourist activities in Dallas?

Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Dallas involve going to the City Centre, Museums, the Zoo, Outlet Shopping, and the Health Spa. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.

City Centre

Museums

Zoo

Outlet Shopping

Health Spa

Theme Parks

Water Parks

Swimming

Adventure Activities

Cycling

Antiquing

Boating

Local Attractions

What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?

There are quite a few popular attractions in Dallas, including American Airlines Center, Galleria Dallas, Dallas Market Center, Reunion Tower, and NorthPark Center. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.

Regional Landmark

NorthPark Center

Included on 44% of listings

Regional Landmark

Southern Methodist University

Included on 44% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Galleria Dallas

Included on 43% of listings

Local Landmark

White Rock Lake

Included on 42% of listings

Regional Landmark

Parkland Memorial Hospital - UT Southwestern

Included on 42% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Dallas Market Center

Included on 41% of listings

Regional Landmark

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden

Included on 41% of listings

Regional Landmark

Children's Medical Center of Dallas

Included on 41% of listings

Well Known Attraction

American Airlines Center

Included on 40% of listings

Regional Landmark

Dealey Plaza

Included on 39% of listings

Regional Landmark

Klyde Warren Park

Included on 39% of listings

Well Known Attraction

Reunion Tower

Included on 39% of listings

What’s the weather like in Dallas, Texas?

The weather is generally warmer than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 77°, while the average low is about 58°. The rainfall is a bit heavier, averaging about 33 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall is scarce, with an average year having no snowfall. The humidity levels in Dallas are generally muggier than the national average, and the city has a mix of clouds and sunshine for most of the year.

Winter

December through February

41° Low 59° High

Precipitation
6.9"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
0.5 days
Cloudiness
44%

Spring

March through May

58° Low 77° High

Precipitation
10.2"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
17.2 days
Cloudiness
38%

Summer

June through August

75° Low 94° High

Precipitation
6.8"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
70.6 days
Cloudiness
32%

Fall

September through November

59° Low 78° High

Precipitation
8.9"
Snowfall
0.0"
Muggy Days
21.0 days
Cloudiness
32%