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4. New Fort Worth STR ordinance requires hosts to get city permit

Maureen Salahshoor Denver, CO

February 22, 2023

Short-term rental (STR) operators in Fort Worth, Texas, will need to register with the city for a short-term rental permit under a new law approved by the City Council.

The measure also bans STRs from residential areas and allows them only in commercial, industrial, or mixed-use areas that are specifically zoned for them. Only 68 short-term rentals — defined as rentals between one night and 29 consecutive days — are currently legally operating in allowed zones, while 565 short-term rentals are operating in prohibited areas, according to the city.

The new rules go into effect immediately, but operators have until June 1, 2023, to register. Applicants for short-term rental permits must pay a $150 fee for the initial registration, and $100 annually after that to renew. Advertisements for vacation rental properties must include their city-issued, short-term rental permit number.

Under the new ordinance, STR hosts must also designate a responsible party who can be available at all times while guests are staying at the property and who can reach the property within an hour of being called.

Other rules include:

• Occupancy is limited to no more than two people per bedroom, plus two people, for a maximum of 12 people
• Only one group can rent a short-term rental property at a time
• All parking must be off street
• Events and parties are prohibited

Currently, the city is paying Deckard Technologies a maximum of $35,000 for a subscription to a service that monitors short-term rentals for enforcement purposes. The city plans on contracting with another third party to administer a short-term rental registration program platform.  Read on to learn more…