Arlington, TX Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules (2026)

Arlington adopted one of the more structured short-term rental regimes in North Texas, responding to pressure from AT&T Stadium and Globe Life Field event tourism. The city requires every STR operator to register annually, obtain a certificate of occupancy, and collect the combined 15% hotel occupancy tax (9% city plus 6% state). STRs are restricted by zoning: only permitted in designated Entertainment District overlay zones and certain commercial districts by right, while residential neighborhoods generally prohibit them unless owner-occupied. Each registration requires a 24/7 local contact who can respond to complaints within one hour, proof of liability insurance, a smoke detector certification, and a posted notice inside the unit listing occupancy limits, trash collection days, and quiet hours. Maximum occupancy is capped at two adults per bedroom plus two additional guests, with a hard ceiling of 12 people regardless of bedroom count. Parties and events separate from overnight stays are banned. Violations can result in registration revocation, fines up to $500 per day, and a two-year ban on re-registration for the property.