ADU Rental Restrictions: Dallas vs Garland
How do adu rental restrictions rules compare between Dallas, TX and Garland, TX?
Dallas and Garland have similar restriction levels.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas ADUs may be rented long-term (30+ days) provided owner occupancy continues under Dallas Development Code § 51A-4.217. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are banned in single-family residential districts under the 2023 Dallas STR ordinance (Ordinance 32463, codified in Chapter 42B), which effectively prohibits ADU short-term rental in most of the city. The ordinance survived initial legal challenges in 2024.
View full Dallas rules →Garland, TX
Dallas County
Garland's single-family zoning prohibits renting an accessory guest house as a separate household. Where an SUP authorizes a true ADU, long-term (30+ days) rental is allowed if owner-occupancy continues per SUP conditions. Short-term rentals (under 30 days) are regulated under the Garland Code of Ordinances with registration and Hotel Occupancy Tax obligations. Texas LGC Sec. 214.902 preempts rent control citywide.
View full Garland rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Garland |
|---|---|---|
| Long-Term (30+ days) | Permitted with owner occupancy | OK if SUP + owner-occupied |
| STR in Single-Family Districts | Banned (Ordinance 32463) | - |
| STR Code | Dallas City Code Ch. 42B | - |
| STR Certificate Fee | $1,000/year (where allowed) | - |
| Legal Status | Upheld by TX Court of Appeals 2024 | - |
| SF Zoning | - | No separate rental household |
| STR Threshold | - | <30 days |
| Hotel Occupancy Tax | - | State 6% + Garland local HOT |
| Rent Control | - | Preempted by TX LGC Sec. 214.902 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Can I rent my ADU on Airbnb in Dallas?
Almost certainly not. Dallas City Code Chapter 42B (Ordinance 32463, 2023) bans short-term rentals in all single-family residential zoning districts, where virtually all ADUs are located. Only mixed-use and commercial-zoned properties can register as STRs.
Can I rent my ADU long-term in Dallas?
Yes. Long-term rentals (30+ days) are permitted under Dallas Development Code § 51A-4.217, provided the property owner continues to occupy either the principal dwelling or the ADU as required by the SUP.
Garland FAQ
Can I rent my Garland accessory structure?
Generally no in single-family zoning - the accessory structure cannot be a separate rental household. Where a Specific Use Permit has authorized a true ADU, long-term rental (30+ days) is allowed if the owner continues to occupy either unit consistent with SUP conditions.
Are there rent caps in Garland?
No, and Garland cannot adopt them. Texas Local Government Code Sec. 214.902 expressly preempts municipal rent control. The Texas Property Code Chapter 92 governs landlord-tenant relationships including notice periods, security deposits, repairs, and eviction procedures.
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