Executive Overview

Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Cedar Hill, Texas. There is no citywide ban or city-specific STR licensing regime. However, Cedar Hill’s Single Family Rental Registration Ordinance does regulate all single-family, duplex, and townhouse rental properties. For STR operators, this means the standard rental registration and a Residential Rental Certificate of Occupancy (RRCO) are required, and repeated RRCOs may be necessary given tenant or guest turnover. In addition, Texas law requires STR operators to collect and remit state Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) on stays of 29 nights or fewer.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cedar Hill

• Confirm property eligibility and restrictions:
  • Ensure the property is a single-family home, duplex, or townhouse in Cedar Hill.
  • Check zoning and deed restrictions (including HOA rules) before listing; these may limit STR activity even where the city does not.
• Register the property under Cedar Hill’s Single Family Rental Registration program:
  • Initial registration (or change in ownership): $50
  • Annual renewal: $25
  • Late renewal: $75
• Secure a Residential Rental Certificate of Occupancy (RRCO) at each guest tenancy:
  • Because Cedar Hill requires an RRCO “at the time of a tenant change,” STR operators should obtain a new RRCO before each new guest occupancy.
  • RRCO fee: $25
  • Submission can be made by email to code@cedarhilltx.com; payment can be made in person or via the city’s online portal.
• Coordinate inspections:
  • An exterior inspection by Code Enforcement is triggered after RRCO issuance and must occur within 30 days.
  • Owners may request interior inspections at any time for safety and compliance; any violations must be corrected within 30 days.
• Meet Texas state-level HOT obligations:
  • Collect 6% HOT on stays of 29 nights or fewer and remit to the Texas Comptroller per applicable filing rules.
• Compliance operations:
  • Establish processes for timely RRCO issuance before each guest stay.
  • Maintain exterior property standards (fencing, visibility of house numbers, trash/debris, weeds/grass).
  • Maintain accurate contact data with the city (owner/manager/tenant/agency) and update annually.
• Listing strategy:
  • Use major platforms (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo) and ensure listings and pricing reflect Cedar Hill’s suburban market profile and outdoor recreation draw (near Cedar Hill State Park and Joe Pool Lake).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• City of Cedar Hill documents:
  • Single Family Rental Registration Form
  • Residential Rental Certificate of Occupancy (RRCO) Application Form
  • Single Family Rental Registration Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2020-714; Sec. 10-120)
  • Online payment portal instructions (EnerGov Customer Self Service)
• Process notes:
  • Email the completed RRCO to code@cedarhilltx.com prior to each new occupancy.
  • Use the online portal for payment; sign up via the city’s EnerGov site.
• Texas state-level requirement:
  • Collect and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%) on stays of 29 nights or fewer via the Texas Comptroller’s filing system.
• Ongoing compliance:
  • Keep owner/manager contact details current with the city for rapid distribution of community information and code response.

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State

• City of Cedar Hill (Sec. 10-120; Ordinance No. 2020-714):
  • All single-family, duplex, and townhouse rental units must be registered annually.
  • An RRCO is required before occupancy at each tenant or guest change.
  • An exterior inspection occurs within 30 days of RRCO issuance.
  • Owners and tenants have defined responsibilities:
    • Owner: ensure safe/sanitary conditions, maintain property, correct inspection deficiencies within 30 days, notify city of evictions and provide a clean-up/removal plan within 24 hours.
    • Tenant: maintain interior/exterior in clean, orderly, sanitary condition; no neglect, damage, defacement, or destructive behavior.
• Dallas County (as of provided sources):
  • No county-specific STR regulations identified.
• Texas state:
  • STRs are defined by durations typically less than 30 consecutive days.
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax applies at 6% for stays of 29 nights or fewer and must be collected and remitted per Texas Comptroller guidance.

Contact Information

• Code Enforcement (Cedar Hill):
  • Phone: 972-291-5100, ext. 1111
  • Email: code@cedarhilltx.com
  • Physical Address: Government Center, 285 Uptown Boulevard, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
  • Hours: Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.
• City of Cedar Hill (general):
  • Phone: 972-291-5100
  • After Hours: 972-780-6643
• Online services and payments:
  • EnerGov Customer Self Service portal

Source Links (Cedar Hill and State Context)

• City of Cedar Hill – Single Family Rental Registration:
  • www.cedarhilltx.com/2779/Single-Family-Rental-Registration
• Single Family Rental Registration FAQ (Cedar Hill):
  • www.cedarhilltx.com/DocumentCenter/View/37884
• Texas overview of STR regulations and city-level trends (contextual; not city-specific):
  • txprobatelawyer.net/short-term-rentals-in-texas-what-cities-are-cracking-down-and-why/
• Short-term rental operator guidance for Cedar Hill (general industry information):
  • www.checkmaterentals.com/airbnb-management/cedar-hill-texas

This guide is limited to information available from the provided sources. Investors should confirm HOA and deed restrictions and any updates to Cedar Hill or Texas state rules before operating.