The Dallas City Council’s vote to ban short-term rentals (STRs) in single-family neighborhoods came after years of heated debate and public pressure. The issue reached a climax in June 2023 when the council voted 12-3 in favor of the ban, following over four hours of emotional testimony from residents and STR operators. Proponents of the ban, like Councilman Paul Ridley and Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold, argued that STRs disrupt neighborhood stability, contribute to noise and crime, and make it difficult for homebuyers to compete against investors. They believe that the city had the legal right to classify STRs as lodging, limiting them to commercial zones and certain multi-family residential areas.

Opponents, such as Councilman Chad West, advocated for regulation rather than an outright ban, warning that the move could lead to financial hardship for property owners and reduce valuable tax and tourism revenue for the city. Despite these concerns, the council attempted to move forward with the restrictions, which include mandatory annual registration, adherence to noise regulations, and limits on occupancy. Enforcement of the ban was set to begin in December 2023, but the Dallas STRA sued the city, resulting in a temporary injunction granted by District Judge Monica Purdy in December 2023. This injunction allows STR operators to continue renting their properties while the legal dispute is ongoing.

The City of Dallas appealed the injunction in January, but the case has faced delays, with no new trial date set. The Dallas STRA remains committed to challenging the city's ordinances, advocating for the right to operate STRs and calling for fair regulations that address problem properties without penalizing responsible operators. Meanwhile, the city continues to enforce existing ordinances related to property standards, noise disturbances, and nuisances, as the legal proceedings continue.

While the legal battle continues, there are no Airbnb Zoning Restrictions currently in place in Dallas.

To register an Airbnb in Dallas, here’s an updated guide based on the latest information:

Register Your Property: All short-term rentals (STRs) in Dallas must be registered with the city. You can do this through the city's online portal at Dallas MUNIRevs. You'll need to set up an online profile, link your property, and complete the registration form. This includes providing necessary documents like a site plan, floor plans, and photographs.

Pay Fees: The registration involves several fees:

• Zoning and Application Review: $200.
• Fire Inspection: The fees vary depending on the number of floors in your property.
• Business License: This comes with a base fee of $64 plus $3.90 per additional $1,000 of expected income.
• Fire Inspection: Your property will require a fire inspection, and the associated fees depend on the specifics of your property, such as the number of floors.

Obtain a Business License: In addition to the registration fees, you must obtain a business license, which is necessary to legally operate your Airbnb.

Annual Renewal and Compliance: Permits must be renewed annually. It's crucial to ensure your STR complies with all city zoning codes and regulations to avoid any penalties. This includes regular payment of hotel occupancy taxes (HOT) to the city.

For more detailed guidance, including specific steps and any updates, you can check the City of Dallas official site​ (Dallas City News)​ (ByBnb)​ (Dallas City Hall).

For Dallas, short-term rental (STR) operators must collect and remit various taxes, including:

• City of Dallas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT): 7%.
• State of Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6%.

The total hotel occupancy tax for short-term rentals in Dallas is 13%.

STR operators are responsible for collecting these taxes from their renters and remitting them to the respective authorities. This applies whether the owner manages the property themselves or hires a property manager. Taxes must be reported and paid monthly to the City of Dallas, and late payments can result in penalties and interest​ (Dallas City Hall).

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, Airbnb hosts in Dallas can effectively manage their properties, maximize their rental income, and ensure compliance with local laws.