Rowlett, TX Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Rowlett's STR rules do not mandate on-site host presence during a guest's stay; instead they require a responsive local point of contact available around the clock. Sec. 10-427(b) of the Code of Ordinances (Ord. No. 007-23) requires the owner to provide full contact information for a local point of contact and to keep the name, address, and 24-hour telephone number current. That contact must respond to complaints concerning the unit within 30 minutes or less, and must contact the guests within 30 minutes of any contact from the city. If a second complaint is filed or a citation is issued to guests, the owner and responsible party must take appropriate steps to ensure future complaints do not occur. The permit application includes a 'Designated Local Contact - 24 Hour Availability' block for the contact's name, phone, address, and email, and the guest safety information sheet posted inside the unit (Sec. 10-428) must list the owner's, operator's, or local point of contact's name and 24-hour local contact telephone number. This local-contact model lets non-owner-occupied STRs operate while still giving the city and neighbors a real person to reach quickly. The definitions in Sec. 10-401 make clear the point of contact is responsible for ensuring occupants comply with applicable rules and for responding to questions or concerns from guests and the city.