Cleburne, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Status in Cleburne, TX

Short-term rentals are allowed in Cleburne, Texas. However, it is important to note that as of the most recent information available, Cleburne does not have specific local ordinances or laws governing short-term rentals like Airbnb. This means that property owners looking to rent out their homes on platforms like Airbnb are generally subject to the same regulations as other residential properties, such as zoning laws and homeowners association rules, if applicable.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Cleburne?

Cleburne hosts earn a median $25,911/year with $157 ADR and 49% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $37,518+ per year.

See the full Cleburne market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Cleburne

1. Property Selection and Zoning Compliance

Research zoning restrictions in Cleburne to ensure your property can legally be used for short-term rentals
Review homeowners association rules if applicable, as these may impose additional restrictions
Consider the property's location relative to amenities, attractions, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, which drives tourism to the area

2. Business Registration

Register your business with appropriate local and state authorities
Obtain any required business licenses (note that some Texas cities require business licenses for STRs)
Get a Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) for tax purposes

3. Tax Registration

Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) - This is a state requirement for all short-term rentals in Texas
Set up systems to collect and remit applicable taxes
Establish monthly reporting procedures even when no rentals occur

4. Property Preparation

Ensure the property meets minimum maintenance standards under Cleburne's adopted International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC)
Install required safety equipment (smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers)
Create comprehensive house rules and guest information packages
Establish cleaning and maintenance protocols

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Local Requirements

Since Cleburne doesn't have specific STR ordinances, local requirements are minimal:

Business License (if required by local business regulations)
Property Registration (for rental properties under IPMC)
Compliance with IPMC Standards

State-Level Requirements

Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration with Texas Comptroller
Monthly HOT Reports and Payments
Federal EIN
Proof of Insurance (recommended for liability coverage)

Documents You'll Need

Personal identification
Federal EIN
Property ownership documentation
Proof of primary residence (if claiming any exemptions)
Insurance documentation
Floor plans and property sketches
Local contact information

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Cleburne - Property Maintenance Requirements

Cleburne has adopted the 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), which applies to all rental properties including short-term rentals:

Key Requirements:

Heat and Air Conditioning: Must be installed to meet minimum/maximum temperature requirements
Utility Services: Water, electrical, sewer, heat and air may only be discontinued for temporary repairs (regardless of rent payment status)
Property Maintenance: Must maintain weather-tight exterior including roofs, doors, windows, exterior siding, flashing and trim
Grass and Weeds: Cannot exceed eight (8) inches in height on residential property
Vehicle Restrictions:
- All vehicles must be registered and operable
- Heavy load vehicles, vehicles with more than two axles, or cargo transport vehicles are prohibited on residential properties
- Parking on unimproved surfaces (grass) is prohibited
Signage: Any sign in right-of-way (including garage sale, for sale, or business signs) is illegal and results in $500 fine per sign

Negligent Property Program

Properties with three or more documented violations in a 12-month period are deemed "negligent properties"
Must pay $100 annual registration fee
Subject to re-inspection for violation correction
Remain in program for minimum 24 months from compliance certificate issuance

State of Texas Requirements

Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

6% state hotel occupancy tax on all rentals of less than 30 consecutive days
Must collect from guests and remit to Texas Comptroller
Monthly reporting required even when no rental activity occurs
Failure to comply can result in penalties and interest

General Property Requirements

Compliance with all applicable building and safety codes
Proper insurance coverage
Adherence to noise ordinances and disturbance regulations
Compliance with ADA requirements if applicable

Johnson County Level

No specific county-level short-term rental regulations were identified in the provided content. County requirements would typically relate to:

Property taxes
Building permits for renovations
Health department regulations for pools or spas

State-Level STR Regulations (Texas Context)

Important: Texas does not have statewide short-term rental regulations, but state law does not restrict local authorities from introducing their own rules. Investors should monitor for potential future local ordinances.

Contact Information for Local Authorities

City of Cleburne - Code Enforcement

Phone: (817) 645-0977
Email: code.enforcement@cleburne.net
Fire Marshal's Office: (817) 645-0968
Fire Marshal Email: fire@cleburne.net
Address: 10 N Robinson St • PO Box 677 • Cleburne, Texas 76033
Main Phone: 817-645-0900
Website: www.cleburne.net

Texas Comptroller - Hotel Occupancy Tax

Website: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
Phone: Contact state offices for current HOT reporting requirements

Cleburne Code Resources

Code Website: Cleburnecode.org
ADA/EOE/ADEA: TDD 800-735-2989

Links to Source Pages

Important Considerations for Investors

Monitor Local Developments: While Cleburne currently has no specific STR ordinances, this could change. Stay informed about potential future regulations.
IPMC Compliance: The International Property Maintenance Code requirements are extensive and apply to all rental properties. Ensure full compliance before operating.
Tax Obligations: State hotel occupancy tax requirements are strict and penalties for non-compliance can be significant.
Insurance: Adequate liability coverage is essential given the transient nature of STR guests.
Neighborhood Relations: Without specific STR regulations, maintaining good relationships with neighbors becomes crucial for long-term success.
Market Positioning: Cleburne's proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and attractions like Cleburne State Park and Lake Pat Cleburne provide tourism opportunities, though the market is relatively modest compared to major Texas cities.

This regulatory environment, while currently permissive, requires diligent compliance with existing property maintenance codes and state tax obligations to operate successfully and avoid penalties.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Cleburne

Cleburne is the county seat of Johnson County, Texas, with an approximate population of 31,000 residents. The city sits roughly 30 miles south of Fort Worth and about 55 miles southwest of Dallas, giving it a small-town pace while remaining within easy reach of the DFW metroplex. Once a stop along the historic Chisholm Trail, Cleburne retains a quietly rooted character, anchored by a walkable historic square and a long railroad heritage. Today it serves as a convenient gateway to the fossil-rich river country and rolling prairies that unfold southwest of the metro area, and as a base for visitors exploring the natural and small-town attractions of north-central Texas.

About 30 minutes southwest of Cleburne, Dinosaur Valley State Park draws families, school groups, and paleontology enthusiasts to the Paluxy River, where real sauropod and theropod tracks are preserved in the limestone bed. The park offers hiking, camping, swimming in season, and the rare experience of wading into an actual dinosaur trackway, making it one of the most distinctive outdoor destinations in the region. Its proximity to Cleburne makes it a frequent day-trip anchor for visitors staying in the area.

Just outside the city, Lake Pat Cleburne is a local reservoir that anchors recreation with fishing, boating, and shoreline camping. It is only a few minutes' drive from downtown and gives the community a readily accessible outdoor escape, which also serves as a draw for travelers looking to pair small-town stays with water-based activities without venturing far from their lodging.

Downtown Cleburne centers on the Johnson County Courthouse, a stately early-twentieth-century building that gives the square its character. Surrounding streets hold a mix of locally owned shops, antique stores, and casual restaurants, along with the Layland Museum, which preserves the regional history of the Chisholm Trail, the railroad era, and the broader Johnson County story. The square also hosts regular community events that bring a steady flow of regional visitors throughout the year.

Cleburne's appeal as a short-term-rental base comes from its balance of small-town Texas character and quick access to the metroplex and the natural attractions to its south. Guests can spend mornings browsing the courthouse square, afternoons on the water at Lake Pat Cleburne, and full days exploring the dinosaur tracks and wildlife experiences of the surrounding countryside, all while staying within a short drive of Fort Worth and Dallas. This combination of affordability, accessibility, and varied nearby offerings makes Cleburne a quietly compelling option for owners looking to serve both leisure travelers and visitors passing through north-central Texas.

Cleburne, Texas

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Cleburne, Texas