Permit Requirements: Austin vs Dallas
How do permit requirements rules compare between Austin, TX and Dallas, TX?
Austin and Dallas have similar restriction levels.
Austin, TX
Travis County
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
View full Austin rules →Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas requires STR registration. In June 2023, City Council voted to ban STRs from residential areas, but a court injunction has blocked enforcement since December 2023. Registration and existing regulations remain in effect.
View full Dallas rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Austin | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | ~$836 (new application) | - |
| License Term | 2 years (as of Oct. 2025) | - |
| Types | Type 1, 2, and 3 | - |
| Local Contact | Required, 2-hour response | - |
| Fine | Up to $500/day unlicensed | - |
| Registration | - | Required (annual) |
| Residential Ban | - | Passed 2023, injunction blocks |
| Court Status | - | TX Supreme Court petition |
| Total STRs | - | ~3,495 in city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Austin FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Austin?
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Austin?
License Fee: ~$836 (new application). License Term: 2 years (as of Oct. 2025). Types: Type 1, 2, and 3. Local Contact: Required, 2-hour response.
Dallas FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Dallas?
Dallas requires STR registration. In June 2023, City Council voted to ban STRs from residential areas, but a court injunction has blocked enforcement since December 2023. Registration and existing regulations remain in effect.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Dallas?
Registration: Required (annual). Residential Ban: Passed 2023, injunction blocks. Court Status: TX Supreme Court petition. Total STRs: ~3,495 in city.
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