Thinking About Listing Your Home as a Short-Term Rental?

Published on February 24, 2026

A person with long hair stands on a wooden deck, pulling a black suitcase.

By Office of Communication

Short-term rentals are allowed in Arlington, but they must follow specific City ordinances designed to protect public safety and neighborhood quality of life.

Where in Arlington is it allowed?

Not all residential areas in Arlington are eligible for short-term rental use. New or existing residential structures may qualify if they are located within:

  • The established Short-Term Rental Zone near the Entertainment District
  • Residential Medium Density (RM-12) zoning districts
  • Residential Multi-Family (RMF-22) zoning districts

You can also check whether your property is located within an eligible area by visiting the City’s Short-Term Rental web map.

Short-term Rental Permit & Inspection

Before advertising or hosting guests, property owners (or STR operators with property owner’s consent) are responsible for obtaining a Short-term Rental permit.

STR operators can apply for a permit online at ArlingtonPermits.com. If you have questions about the permitting process, email planningdevelopment@arlingtontx.gov or call 817-459-6502, Ext. 5.

Short-Term Rental Permit Process Timeline

The short-term rental permit process typically takes about two weeks. Applicants first need to register for a HOT account, which can take 2-3 business days. Once the permit is submitted, it is reviewed within five business days before being sent to code compliance, which contacts the applicant within 1-2 days to schedule an inspection. It’s recommended to apply at least 2-3 months before hosting to allow time to receive the permit and promote the property on rental platforms.

Key Operational Requirements

Short-term rental operators must follow all City regulations and clearly list these rules for guests. Failure to do so may result in violations. Some of the most important requirements include:

  • Maximum occupancy: Two people per bedroom, plus two additional guests, with a maximum of 12 occupants
  • Parking: Limited to the number of available off-street parking spaces
  • Bedrooms: Converting or physically modifying a home to add bedrooms for STR use is prohibited
  • Noise restrictions: No amplified sound between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.
  • Outdoor gatherings: Not allowed between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.
  • Trash placement: May only be placed on the curb after 7 p.m. the evening before scheduled pickup
  • Use of property: STRs may not be used as banquet halls or event venues

Short-term Rental Enforcement

Residents who have concerns about the operation of an existing short-term rental are encouraged to contact the Action Center by calling 817-459-6777 or by submitting a report through the Ask Arlington app. Complaints may also be submitted 24/7 directly to the City’s STR compliance vendor by calling 817-775-5626 or filing a report online through the Host Compliance website.

 

The City of Arlington will continue to actively enforce STR regulations to ensure compliance and protect neighborhoods. An STR permit may be revoked if the permit holder:

  • Receives more than two citations within a 12-month period
  • Fails to comply with permit conditions after written notice
  • Provides false information in a permit application
  • Otherwise becomes disqualified under STR ordinances

The regulations for short-term rentals are firmly in place and will remain unchanged throughout the duration of the World Cup. Authorities have confirmed that no adjustments or temporary exemptions will be made, ensuring that hosts and guests must continue to operate within the existing framework.

For more information on Arlington’s short-term rental regulations and to review the full ordinance, visit the City’s Short-Term Rental chapter online.

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