Short-Term Rentals in Midland, TX

If you live in Midland 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. Midland has 4 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of short-term rentals, and some of them might surprise you.

Noise Rules

Midland STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Many cities impose stricter quiet hours for rentals. Complaints can trigger permit review.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Midland gives residents more flexibility on noise rules.

Occupancy Limits

Midland limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Midland gives residents more flexibility on occupancy limits.

Short-Term Rental Permits

Midland regulates short-term rentals driven by oil industry workforce demand rather than traditional tourism. Oilfield workers on temporary assignments create steady rental demand. The city requires registration and hotel occupancy tax collection.

Key details: Demand Driver: Oil industry workforce. Registration: City required. Hotel Tax: Must collect. Man Camps: Separate regulation.

Operating without registration: $500 per occurrence. Unpaid hotel tax: back taxes plus 25% penalty. Safety violations: $250 fine.

Midland is more permissive than most cities when it comes to short-term rental permits. That said, there are still limits.

Taxes & Fees

Midland taxes short-term rentals the same as hotels: any host renting a room or unit to a non-permanent guest for less than 30 consecutive days must collect and remit a hotel occupancy tax to the City under Chapter 3-3 of the Code of Ordinances, file quarterly reports with the Director of Finance, and keep exemption documentation for permanent residents and government travelers.

Key details: Tax base: Short-term rentals taxed as hotels under Ch. 3-3. Collector duty: Host/operator collects and remits, keeps 1% for costs. Filing deadline: Quarterly report due last day of following month. Exemption: Permanent resident staying 30+ consecutive days pays no tax. Penalty: Up to $500/day fine plus 15% penalty and 12% interest.

Failing to collect, report or pay the tax, or filing a false report, is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine up to $500.00 per day under Sec. 3-3-7(A), with each day of noncompliance a separate offense. The host also owes the City's attorney's fees plus a 15 percent penalty on the unpaid tax (Sec. 3-3-7(B)), 12 percent annual interest starting 60 days after the due date (Sec. 3-3-7(D)), and the Director of Finance may file a tax lien against the property (Sec. 3-3-7(C)).

The Bottom Line

Compared to many U.S. cities, Midland gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 3 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.

All of the above reflects Midland's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.