Little Elm Short-Term Rentals: Registration Rules Rules (2026)

Under Ordinance 1673, effective May 5, 2020, all properties rented for fewer than 30 days must be registered with the Town of Little Elm before being listed or advertised on any platform. Registration is completed online through the Short-Term Rental and Tax Payment Form on the town portal. The annual fee is $200, with late registration costing $400. Registration is valid for one calendar year and requires renewal. Operators must maintain ongoing records including reservation details, guest counts, vehicle counts during rental periods, and all tax filings. Hosts must display required notices to guests regarding house rules, quiet hours, occupancy limits, and the party venue prohibition. Advertising a property without current registration is itself a violation. Prohibited uses at STR properties include temporary or transition housing for sex offenders, structured sober or recovery living homes, illegal drug sales, alcohol sales without a permit, and sexually oriented business operations. The progressive enforcement system applies to all registration violations: first offense receives a written warning, second offense triggers a 6-month reapplication ban, third offense results in a 1-year ban, and the fourth offense leads to a permanent reapplication ban. Community Integrity administers the program.