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Longview, TX Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

License required
3+ unit complexes, before operating
Issued by
City administrator
Expires
Annually, every April 1
Transferable
No: tied to owner/location
Reapply
On >50% ownership change

Summary

Longview requires a city-issued multi-family dwelling license before anyone can own, operate, or manage a rental complex of three or more units.

No person shall own, operate, manage, or maintain a multi-family dwelling complex without a valid multi-family dwelling license from the city, issued by the administrator. A license that has been revoked, that has expired, or that has lapsed for any reason is not valid. A suspended license is not valid during the period of suspension.

(b) Issuance of license. The administrator shall issue a multi-family dwelling license to any person making application in the city; provided that the person complies with the requirements of this article and all fees required by this article are paid.

(c) Licenses not transferable. A multi-family dwelling license is not transferable from one person to another or from one location to another location, except as otherwise authorized by this article. A multi-family dwelling license shall authorize the operation of the multi-family dwelling complex only at the location and for the owner for which granted.

(d) Required language. Every license issued by the city pursuant to the provisions of this article shall contain on its face the following language or language substantially similar thereto:

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: June 2026: This code is current through Ordinances 4635 passed 06.25.26).

Full Breakdown

Any owner, manager, or landlord of a multi-family dwelling complex (3+ units under common ownership) must hold a valid multi-family dwelling license issued by the city administrator before operating. The license is tied to the specific property and owner, is not transferable, and must be renewed annually by April 1. A new application and fee are required whenever ownership changes by more than 50% equity interest.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a valid license is a code violation; the administrator can deny, suspend, or revoke a license, and no new tenants may be placed in units during a suspension.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Longview require rental registration for single-family rentals?
No: the license requirement applies to multi-family dwelling complexes with three or more units under common ownership, not single-family rentals.
How long does a Longview multi-family dwelling license last?
It expires each year on April 1 following its effective date and must be renewed with the annual license fee to stay valid.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Longview

All Longview rules

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