Del Rio, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: STR Allowability in Del Rio, TX

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in Del Rio, Texas. However, it is important to note that the city is in a transitional phase. As of now, Del Rio does not have specific ordinances regulating short-term rentals, but a public hearing is scheduled for October 14, 2025 regarding "Amendment to the City of Del Rio Code of Ordinances – Short-Term Rental and Zoning Regulations." This suggests that specific regulations may be adopted in the near future.

Investors should be aware that while STRs are currently permitted under existing housing and rental regulations, they must comply with all applicable state laws and local zoning requirements, and should prepare for potential regulatory changes following the upcoming public hearing.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Del Rio?

Del Rio hosts earn a median $14,685/year with $121 ADR and 48% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $24,308+ per year.

See the full Del Rio market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Del Rio

Market Assessment and Planning

Del Rio presents a unique STR market characterized by:

Location advantages: Proximity to the Rio Grande, Amistad National Recreation Area, and Mexican border
Seasonal demand patterns: Peak season from March to September, driven by outdoor activities, fishing, boating, and bird watching
Event-driven tourism: Annual George Paul Memorial Bull Riding event and Cactus Jack Foundation's Pecan and Wine Festival
Target demographics: Outdoor enthusiasts, hunters during winter months, and cultural tourists

Business Setup Steps

Property Acquisition: Ensure the property is in an appropriate zoning district
Compliance Verification: Confirm HOA approvals if applicable
Property Preparation: Furnish and equip the property for guest accommodation
Insurance Procurement: Obtain appropriate liability and property insurance
Platform Registration: List on Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms
Tax Registration: Register for state hotel occupancy tax collection

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Current Requirements (As of 2025)

Since Del Rio has not yet adopted specific STR regulations, operators must comply with:

State-Level Requirements

Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%): Mandatory for all rentals under 30 days
State tax registration through Texas Comptroller
Monthly tax remittance to the state

Local Requirements

Zoning compliance: Ensure STR use is permitted in the property's zoning district
Standard rental property requirements: Safety, cleanliness, habitability standards
HOA/Property Management approval: If subject to association rules

Documentation Needed

Property ownership documents or lease agreement
Texas tax identification number
General liability insurance policy
Property safety compliance documentation

Future Requirements (Post-October 2025)

The upcoming ordinance may introduce:

Registration requirements
Permit processes
Inspection protocols
Operational guidelines
Local tax obligations

Specific Regulations: City, County, and State Level

City of Del Rio

Current Status: No specific STR ordinances in effect

Standard housing and rental regulations apply
Zoning laws must be followed
Safety and cleanliness standards required
Upcoming: Public hearing October 14, 2025 for STR ordinance consideration

Val Verde County

Current Status: No county-specific STR regulations identified in available sources

Standard county health and safety regulations apply
County-level tax requirements (if any) not specified

State of Texas

Comprehensive Requirements:

6% State Hotel Occupancy Tax on all rentals under 30 days
Monthly tax remittance through Texas Comptroller
Registration with state tax authorities
Compliance with state health and safety codes
Adherence to Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act for guest communications

Contact Information for Local Authority

City of Del Rio - Primary Contacts

City Hall

Address: 109 West Broadway, Del Rio, TX 78840
Phone: (830) 774-8500
Website: www.cityofdelrio.com

Key Departments for STR Inquiry:

Development Services Department

Handles zoning, permits, and development-related inquiries
Contact through City Hall main number

Finance Department

Responsible for tax collection and business licensing
Contact through City Hall main number

Code Compliance

Enforces property standards and local regulations
Contact through City Hall main number

State-Level Contacts

Texas Comptroller - Hotel Occupancy Tax

Phone: 1-800-252-5555
Website: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
Email: Contact through Comptroller website

Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (Industry Resources)

Phone: (512) 474-2996
Email: thla@texaslodging.com
Address: 1701 West Avenue, Austin, TX 78701

Strategic Considerations for Investors

Market Positioning

Given Del Rio's unique location and attractions:

Outdoor amenities: Prioritize properties with parking for RVs/boats, outdoor grilling areas
Climate considerations: Air conditioning essential due to warm climate
Cultural integration: Incorporate local art and Texan architectural elements
Proximity to attractions: Leverage proximity to Amistad National Recreation Area

Risk Mitigation

Monitor regulatory changes: Stay informed about the October 2025 ordinance development
HOA due diligence: Verify STR permissions in association-governed properties
Insurance adequacy: Ensure comprehensive coverage for STR operations
Guest screening: Implement appropriate screening procedures despite limited regulations

Competitive Advantages

Year-round appeal: Outdoor activities in warmer months, hunting season in winter
Border proximity: Unique cultural experiences available
Emerging market: Less saturated than major Texas cities
Event tourism: Leverage annual local events for peak occupancy

Monitoring and Compliance Strategy

Ongoing Monitoring

City council meetings: Track STR ordinance development
Code updates: Monitor Del Rio Code of Ordinances changes
State regulation updates: Stay current with Texas hospitality tax laws

Compliance Checklist

[ ] Texas state tax registration completed
[ ] Monthly HOT remittance process established
[ ] Property zoning verification completed
[ ] HOA permissions secured (if applicable)
[ ] Insurance coverage confirmed
[ ] Property safety standards met
[ ] Guest communication procedures established
[ ] Financial tracking systems implemented

Important Considerations for Future Regulations

Given the scheduled October 2025 public hearing, investors should:

Participate in the public process: Attend hearings and provide input
Prepare for compliance changes: Be ready to adapt to new requirements
Budget for additional costs: Potential permit fees, inspections, local taxes
Document current operations: Maintain records of compliance efforts
Engage with local officials: Build relationships with city staff and council members

Source Information:

Current STR regulations: www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/del-rio-texas
Texas state STR context: texaslodging.com/short-term-rental-str-update-2018/
City information: www.cityofdelrio.com/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/2632/352?npage=2&toggle=all
City code: library.municode.com/tx/del_rio

Disclaimer: This guide is based on available information as of the sources provided. STR regulations are rapidly evolving, and investors should verify current requirements with local authorities before making investment decisions.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Del Rio

Del Rio sits in Val Verde County in southwestern Texas, hugging the north bank of the Rio Grande directly across from Ciudad Acuña in the Mexican state of Coahuila. The city has a population of roughly 35,000, giving it the feel of a mid-sized border community where Texas ranching heritage meets a distinct cross-border cultural blend. It is best known as the principal gateway to Amistad National Recreation Area and as the home of Laughlin Air Force Base. Del Rio lies approximately 150 miles west of San Antonio along US Highway 90, making it the largest community for many miles in this stretch of the borderlands.

Just northwest of the city, the Amistad National Recreation Area surrounds a vast reservoir formed by a dam on the Rio Grande, where the waters of the Pecos and Devils Rivers join the border river. The lake draws visitors for boating, fishing, scuba diving among submerged canyon walls, and swimming at sandy coves, and the drive from downtown Del Rio takes only about fifteen to twenty minutes. It is one of the more popular warm-water fishing destinations in Texas, particularly for striped bass, and its rocky cliffs preserve rock art and pictographs from peoples who lived in the canyons thousands of years ago.

A short drive east of town, Seminole Canyon State Park and Historic Site protects a deep, spring-fed canyon system cut into the Edwards Plateau. The park is best known for the Fate Bell Shelter, a rock-art site containing some of the oldest pictographs in North America, with guided tours offered on a limited basis. The park is approximately fifty miles east of Del Rio, and the surrounding canyon country offers hiking, backcountry camping, and dramatic views over the river.

In the heart of the city, San Felipe Springs bubbles up to feed San Felipe Creek, a clear-water creek that winds through town and was central to the founding of the settlement in the 1800s. The springs remain a gathering spot for locals and visitors and support a small riparian greenway. Also worth a stop, the Whitehead Memorial Museum offers a look at the area's frontier, ranching, and military past, while the historic Val Verde Winery has operated in Del Rio since 1883, making it one of the oldest bonded wineries in Texas and a frequent stop for travelers passing through.

Del Rio appeals to short-term-rental investors because it combines a steady stream of year-round visitors — anglers, hunters, divers, park enthusiasts, and families visiting Laughlin Air Force Base — with a relatively affordable housing stock and a setting that is genuinely distinctive within Texas. The proximity to a major national recreation area, an archaeological state park, and a lively Mexican border city gives the destination a range that few similarly sized Texas towns can match, and the drive from San Antonio is short enough to be feasible for a weekend trip.

Del Rio, Texas

Generally Investor Friendly

STR Regulations for Del Rio, Texas