Arlington, TX Accessory Structures: ADU Rental Restrictions (2026)

Long-term rental (30 days or more) of an ADU is permitted in Arlington provided the property owner continues to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as required by the Specific Use Permit condition under UDC Article 4 and the recorded deed restriction. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated under Arlington City Code Chapter 7.5, the Short-Term Rental Ordinance adopted in 2019 and revised in 2023. The ordinance requires every STR to: register annually with the city ($350 fee), maintain a local responsible party available 24/7, post an exterior emergency contact placard, satisfy fire and safety inspection, and provide minimum parking. In single-family residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-3, RS), STRs are limited to one per block face under the dispersal rule, and new permits in oversaturated areas may be denied. STRs near Globe Life Field, AT&T Stadium, and the Entertainment District are more readily approved because the area is zoned for mixed-use/tourism. ADUs typically cannot be the standalone STR unless the property's SUP specifically authorizes ADU short-term rental — most ADU SUPs limit use to long-term residential. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) of 9% applies to all STR stays under 30 days. Texas state law has not preempted Arlington's STR registration regime.