Permit Requirements: Arlington vs Fort Worth

Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Arlington?

Arlington requires STR permits through ArlingtonPermits.com with a $500 non-refundable annual fee. STRs are restricted to a designated STR Zone near the entertainment district. Over 90% of the city is off-limits to short-term rentals under Ord. 19-014.

What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Arlington?

Permit Fee: $500/year non-refundable. STR Zone: ~1 mile from entertainment district. Insurance: $1M liability required. Ordinance: Ord. 19-014 (April 2019).

Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Fort Worth?

Yes. Fort Worth requires every short-term rental (a rental of 1 to 29 consecutive days) to be registered with the City under Code of Ordinances Chapter 7, Article XIII. Initial registration is $150, annual renewal is $100, and the registration must be renewed each year. Operators must also confirm that the property's zoning allows short-term rental use, since residential districts are off-limits under the Fort Worth Zoning Ordinance.

Can I run an Airbnb in a Fort Worth residential neighborhood?

No. Fort Worth's Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 7, Article XIII prohibit short-term rentals in residential zoning districts (including A-#, AR, B, R1, R2, CR, C, D, and UR). STRs are only permitted by right in mixed-use, form-based, commercial, and industrial districts. The residential ban was upheld by a Texas state district court in 2024. Operating an STR in a residential district is a Class C misdemeanor with fines up to $2,000 per day.

How much does Fort Worth STR registration cost and what taxes apply?

The initial Short-Term Rental Registration fee is $150 and the annual renewal is $100. In addition, operators must collect and remit the City of Fort Worth 9% Hotel Occupancy Tax and the State of Texas 6% Hotel Occupancy Tax on every booking. Marketplace facilitators such as Airbnb may collect some of these taxes; operators are responsible for verifying coverage and remitting any uncollected portion directly.