Short-Term Rentals in DeSoto, TX

If you live in DeSoto or are thinking about moving there, short-term rentals are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. DeSoto has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

STR operators must provide one off-street parking space per bedroom. On-street parking is prohibited overnight (2 a.m.-5 a.m.) under Chapter 78 and cars cannot block sidewalks or fire lanes.

Key details: Off-Street Spaces: 1 per bedroom. Surface: Must be paved. Overnight Street: Prohibited 2-5 a.m.. Sidewalk Block: Prohibited. Code: Ch. 30, Ch. 78.

Parking citation $25-$100; towing fees; STR permit points toward revocation for repeat issues.

Night Caps

DeSoto does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights an STR may be rented. However, non-owner-occupied STRs must remain in compliance year-round with permit, tax, and occupancy rules, and the city limits density to one STR permit per owner.

Key details: Annual Night Cap: None. Per-Owner Limit: 1 permit. Second Property: CUP required. Spacing: 500 ft between STRs. Code: Sec. 30-204.

Operating a second STR without a CUP: $500-$2,000/day plus permit revocation on the unauthorized unit.

The rules around night caps in DeSoto lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

Noise Rules

STR operators must post quiet hours (10 p.m.-7 a.m. weekdays, 11 p.m.-8 a.m. weekends), respond to noise complaints within 30 minutes, and maintain a zero-tolerance policy for amplified outdoor music.

Key details: Response Time: 30 minutes. Amplified Outdoor: Prohibited at all hours. Quiet Hours: 10 p.m. - 7 a.m.. 3-Strike Rule: 12-month revocation window. Posting: Rules required inside unit.

First complaint: warning and permit notation; second: $500-$1,000 + hearing; third within 12 months: permit revocation plus 12-month ban on reapplication.

Insurance Requirements

DeSoto STR operators must carry a minimum of $500,000 in commercial general liability insurance naming the City as an additional insured, plus proof of adequate property coverage. Platform-provided Host Protection does not satisfy the requirement alone.

Key details: Minimum Per Occurrence: $500,000. Aggregate: $1,000,000. City Named: Additional insured required. Proof: ACORD 25 certificate. Homeowner Policy: Usually insufficient alone.

Permit suspension on lapse; $500-$2,000 fine; personal liability for uncovered claims.

The rules around insurance requirements in DeSoto lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, DeSoto gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 2 of the 4 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.

This guide is based on DeSoto's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.