El Paso's STR ordinance requires operators to carry minimum $1 million liability insurance naming the property; Texas has no state STR insurance mandate, but Airbnb/Vrbo host protection does not replace primary liability coverage.
The City of El Paso adopted a Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Chapter 20.12 of the Code of Ordinances) requiring STR operators to register annually with the City, designate a local contact, and carry minimum $1,000,000 in commercial general liability insurance with the STR property expressly named as an insured premise. Texas has no statewide STR insurance mandate, and TX Local Gov't Code Β§250.006 limits how cities can restrict STRs but permits reasonable registration/insurance requirements. Standard homeowner's (HO-3) policies typically exclude commercial lodging activity; a commercial STR endorsement or dedicated dwelling-fire/commercial landlord policy is needed. Airbnb's AirCover and Vrbo's Liability Insurance provide secondary, not primary, coverage β El Paso's registration expressly requires a primary policy. Proof of insurance (certificate of liability naming City of El Paso as certificate holder) must be submitted with annual STR registration. Hotel Occupancy Tax (state 6% + city 9% = 15%) applies separately.
Operating an STR without required insurance or registration: $500-$2,000 per violation; each day of operation is a separate offense. Registration revocation possible for repeated violations, barring the property from STR use for 12+ months. Uninsured incidents may also trigger civil liability well beyond fines.
El Paso, TX
The City of El Paso does not regulate yard ornaments on private property. Statuary, religious displays, and decorative landscape elements are generally allow...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no ordinance setting size, height, or hours limits for inflatable holiday displays on private residential property. Wind is the primary practical...
El Paso, TX
El Paso does not impose specific install-by or take-down-by dates for holiday lights on private property. Holiday-light regulation in El Paso is overwhelming...
El Paso, TX
Built-in outdoor kitchens in El Paso require permits from Planning and Inspections for gas-line installation, electrical work, plumbing, and any structural e...
El Paso, TX
El Paso has no smoker-specific ordinance for single-family use, but backyard smokers fall under Title 9.04 nuisance code if smoke or odor unreasonably affect...
El Paso, TX
El Paso adopts the International Fire Code through Title 18 with local amendments, including IFC Section 308 prohibiting open-flame cooking devices on combus...
See how El Paso's insurance requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.