El Paso, TX Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Standard Formula
- 2 guests per bedroom plus 2
- Code Authority
- IRC adopted under Chapter 18
- Fire Marshal
- May inspect for life-safety issues
- Listing Duty
- Post occupancy cap clearly
- Penalty
- $200-$2,000 Class C misdemeanor
Summary
El Paso does not set a specific STR occupancy cap, but all dwellings must comply with International Residential Code occupancy based on bedroom count and square footage.
Sec. 92.010. OCCUPANCY LIMITS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the maximum number of adults that a landlord may allow to occupy a dwelling is three times the number of bedrooms in the dwelling.(b) A landlord may allow an occupancy rate of more than three adult tenants per bedroom:(1) to the extent that the landlord is required by a state or federal fair housing law to allow a higher occupancy rate; or(2) if an adult whose occupancy causes a violation of Subsection (a) is seeking temporary sanctuary from family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, for a period that does not exceed one month. ... (d) In this section:(1) "Adult" means an individual 18 years of age or older.(2) "Bedroom" means an area of a dwelling intended as sleeping quarters.
Full Breakdown
Occupancy for short-term rentals in El Paso defaults to International Residential Code standards adopted through Chapter 18 of the Municipal Code. The widely used formula is 2 guests per bedroom plus 2 additional guests. For example, a 3-bedroom STR could host up to 8 guests. Overcrowding can support code enforcement action for unsafe occupancy. Operators should list maximum occupancy clearly on platforms and in-house rules. Properties near Fort Bliss often attract larger groups, and hosts should cap guest counts accordingly to prevent life-safety violations.
Violations & Fines
Overcrowding: Class C misdemeanor, $200 to $2,000. Fire Marshal inspections may issue additional penalties if life-safety code is violated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many guests can stay at an El Paso short-term rental?
Does El Paso have a specific STR occupancy cap?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso
Texas rules heatmap·Compare El Paso to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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