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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Occupancy Limits

Occupancy Limits: Dallas vs DeSoto

How do occupancy limits rules compare between Dallas, TX and DeSoto, TX?

DeSoto has fewer restrictions than Dallas.

Dallas, TX

Dallas County

Heavy Restrictions

Dallas City Code Chapter 42B, Sec. 42B-12 limits short-term rental occupancy to a maximum of three persons per bedroom with a total cap of 12 guests. The STR ordinance was adopted in June 2023 but enforcement was blocked by a court injunction in December 2023. The injunction remains in effect as of 2025 while legal challenges proceed through Texas courts.

View full Dallas rules β†’

DeSoto, TX

Dallas County

Some Restrictions

DeSoto caps STR occupancy at 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests, with a maximum of 10 overnight guests per unit and no more than 20 persons present for events.

View full DeSoto rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactDallasDeSoto
Code SectionCh. 42B, Sec. 42B-12-
Per Bedroom3 persons maximum2 overnight
Total Cap12 guests maximum-
Legal StatusEnforcement enjoined since Dec. 2023-
Minimum Stay2-night minimum-
Overnight Cap-10 total
Daytime Cap-20 persons
Events-Special Permit required
Posting-Inside unit

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Dallas FAQ

Are Dallas STR occupancy limits currently enforced?

Not at this time. A court injunction issued December 2023 blocks enforcement of Chapter 42B. The City has petitioned the Texas Supreme Court to review the case.

What is the maximum number of guests in a Dallas STR?

Chapter 42B limits occupancy to three persons per bedroom with a maximum of 12 guests total, though enforcement is currently stayed.

DeSoto FAQ

Can I host a wedding at my DeSoto STR?

Not without a Special Event Permit and, in many cases, a Conditional Use Permit. Standard STR permits do not authorize commercial events.

Do children count toward the cap?

Children under 2 are excluded. Children 2 and older count as full occupants.

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