Carrollton vs Mesquite

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 — 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.

How many nights per year can I rent my Mesquite home on Airbnb?

The city does not set an annual cap. However, HOA rules, deed restrictions, or mortgage terms may limit rentals, so review those documents carefully.

Do I owe hotel occupancy tax on short stays?

Yes. Texas charges 6% state Hotel Occupancy Tax on stays under 30 consecutive days. Airbnb typically collects and remits state HOT automatically.

Could Mesquite add a night cap in the future?

Possibly. Texas cities have been actively debating STR regulation, and Mesquite's city council could adopt new rules. Watch council agendas for updates.