Dallas is currently in a state of regulatory flux. The city passed a new STR ordinance requiring a $404 registration, but it’s currently blocked by a court injunction. As of early 2026, registration is effectively free — but the Hotel Occupancy Tax must still be collected and remitted monthly via MUNIRevs regardless of the injunction. Here’s what you need to know now.
📋 Dallas STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | City of Dallas Short-Term Rental Registration (under court injunction) |
| Application Fee | Free (new $404 ordinance currently enjoined) |
| Annual Renewal | TBD pending court resolution |
| Processing Time | Minimal — registration portal is open |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Easy |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Dallas?
Dallas passed a new STR ordinance in 2023 requiring a $404 registration fee and various operating standards. However, the ordinance has been blocked by a court injunction, meaning the fee and some requirements are not currently enforceable. As of early 2026, Dallas hosts can register for free through the city’s registration portal. Despite the injunction, the Dallas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) must still be collected and remitted monthly through the MUNIRevs platform — this obligation is independent of the registration ordinance. All STR operators should also hold a Texas Comptroller HOT permit. Monitor the legal situation, as the injunction could be lifted at any time.
How to Get a Dallas Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Register your STR property with the City of Dallas through the registration portal at dallascityhall.com/STR (registration is currently free due to the court injunction).
- Obtain a Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) permit from the Texas Comptroller at comptroller.texas.gov.
- Set up remittance of Dallas City HOT through MUNIRevs at munirevs.com — monthly remittance is required regardless of the registration ordinance status.
- Display your registration number on all listing platforms.
- Monitor the Dallas STR ordinance court case, as the injunction may be lifted — the $404 fee and additional requirements may become enforceable.
Dallas Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dallas Registration Fee | Free (currently enjoined) | May change when injunction lifted |
| Texas HOT Permit | Free | TX Comptroller |
| Dallas HOT (MUNIRevs) | Tax collection only | Monthly remittance |
The court injunction blocking the $404 fee could be lifted at any time. Budget for potential registration costs and ensure you’re registered now so you’re ready to comply when enforcement resumes.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Dallas Hosts
- Registration is required — complete it now through the city portal even while the injunction is active.
- Dallas Hotel Occupancy Tax must be remitted monthly via MUNIRevs regardless of the injunction status.
- Registration number must appear on all listing platforms.
- Operating standards under the enjoined ordinance (noise, occupancy) represent best practices even if not currently enforceable.
- Texas Comptroller HOT permit required for state tax compliance.
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Dallas
Texas state HOT: 6%. City of Dallas HOT: 7% (remitted monthly via MUNIRevs). Total: approximately 13%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit TX state HOT automatically, but confirm Dallas city HOT remittance requirements — direct remittance via MUNIRevs may be required.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Dallas
Failure to remit HOT: Texas Comptroller enforcement (liens, tax warrants). When injunction is lifted: operating without a valid $404 registration may trigger fines of $500/day. Stay current with the ordinance status.
How HostStarter Handles Dallas STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Dallas’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Dallas revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Dallas?
Yes — registration is required in Dallas, though the $404 fee is currently blocked by a court injunction (as of early 2026). Register now for free through the city portal. You must also remit Hotel Occupancy Tax monthly via MUNIRevs regardless of the injunction.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Dallas?
Registration is currently free while the court injunction is in effect. The new ordinance set the fee at $404 — this will apply when the injunction is lifted.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Dallas?
Registration processing is currently minimal given the injunction. When the injunction is lifted and the full ordinance takes effect, processing times may increase.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Dallas?
Dallas hosts owe Texas state HOT (6%) and Dallas city HOT (7%) — totaling 13%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit TX state tax automatically, but Dallas city HOT may require direct monthly remittance via MUNIRevs.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Dallas?
Failure to remit HOT taxes is the primary current enforcement risk — expect liens and tax warrants from the Texas Comptroller. When the injunction is lifted, operating without a valid registration may trigger $500/day fines.