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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Night Caps

Carrollton vs Dallas

How do night caps rules compare between Carrollton, TX and Dallas, TX?

Carrollton has fewer restrictions than Dallas.

Carrollton, TX

Dallas County

Few Restrictions

Dallas County does not impose a maximum number of short-term rental nights per year in unincorporated areas. Texas counties lack general authority to regulate STRs, and no Commissioners Court order sets a night cap. Individual cities within Dallas County (Dallas, Irving, Garland) may cap STR use but those rules do not apply to unincorporated parcels.

View full Carrollton rules β†’

Dallas, TX

Dallas County

Some Restrictions

Dallas limits STR occupancy to no more than 12 occupants per rental unit, with a maximum of three occupants per bedroom.

View full Dallas rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactCarrolltonDallas
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Max Occupancy-12 persons per unit
Per Bedroom-3 persons max
Enforcement-Code Compliance

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Carrollton FAQ

Is there a maximum number of nights I can short-term rent in unincorporated Dallas County?

No. Dallas County has not adopted a night cap, and Texas counties generally lack authority to impose one. However, the property must sit in unincorporated territory β€” if any city has annexed the parcel, that city's STR rules (including possible caps) apply.

Do I still have to pay hotel occupancy tax on an unincorporated Dallas County STR?

Yes. The 6% Texas state hotel occupancy tax under Tax Code Chapter 156 applies to any stay under 30 consecutive days, regardless of whether the county imposes its own rules. You must register with the Texas Comptroller and remit monthly or quarterly.

How do I know if my property is in unincorporated Dallas County or inside a city?

Check the Dallas Central Appraisal District parcel lookup, which lists the taxing jurisdictions. If a city name appears as a taxing entity for the parcel, the property is inside that city and its STR rules (not county rules) apply.

Dallas FAQ

How many guests can stay in a Dallas short-term rental?

No more than 12 occupants per rental unit, with a limit of three occupants per bedroom.

Does house size affect occupancy limits?

No. The 12-person maximum and 3-per-bedroom limit apply regardless of property size.

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