Garland, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Garland, TX?

Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Garland, TX but are subject to comprehensive regulation and oversight by the city's Code Compliance Department. The city defines short-term rentals as properties located within a residential zoning district or within 200 feet of a residential zoning district that are advertised for rent, lease, license, or use for periods less than 32 calendar days.

Garland has implemented increasingly stringent regulations, with the most recent updates taking effect in September 2025. The city requires registration, annual licensing, regular inspections, and strict compliance with operational requirements. Properties must meet minimum housing standards and additional STR-specific requirements.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Garland?

Garland hosts earn a median $36,182/year with $194 ADR and 66% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $51,592+ per year.

See the full Garland market breakdown

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Garland

Step 1: Verify Zoning Compliance

Before proceeding, confirm your property is within a residential zoning district or within 200 feet of one. The 200-foot proximity rule applies even if your property isn't directly zoned residential.

Step 2: Obtain Required Insurance

Secure liability insurance for your STR property. This is a mandatory requirement that must be maintained continuously as a condition of licensing.

Step 3: Prepare Application Materials

Gather the following documentation:

Completed permit application for each STR property
Copy of property floor plan
Proof of liability insurance
Owner and management company information
Occupancy limit certifications
Smoke detector certifications

Step 4: Submit Application and Pay Fees

Submit your application to the Code Compliance Department with:

Annual license fee: $500 (this represents a significant increase from the previous $65 fee)
Application processing time varies

Step 5: Schedule and Complete Inspection

All STR properties must undergo a full inspection prior to permit issuance and annually for renewal. Contact Code Compliance to schedule your inspection.

Step 6: Comply with Ongoing Requirements

After receiving your permit, maintain compliance with:

48-hour minimum stay requirement
Annual inspections
Landline phone installation
Neighbor notification requirements
Placard display requirements

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Licensing Requirements

Annual STR License: $500 per property
Application Form: Available through Code Compliance Department
Permit Duration: Valid for one year, must be renewed annually
Transferability: Permits cannot be assigned or transferred to new owners

Mandatory Documentation

Property floor plan (to-scale drawing)
Proof of liability insurance
Owner identification and contact information
Management company details (if applicable)
24-hour monitoring contact information

Safety and Compliance Certifications

Smoke detector installation and functionality certification
Occupancy limit certification
Compliance with minimum housing standards

Communication Infrastructure

Functioning landline telephone with registered number
Number posted conspicuously near front entrance

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

Operational Requirements

Minimum Stay Requirements

48-hour minimum stay per booking (recently increased from 24 hours)
Designed to reduce party-related bookings and increase responsible use

Occupancy and Use Limits

STRs must comply with city-defined occupancy limits
Properties must meet minimum housing standards
Subject to Chapter 26.64 prohibited conduct regulations

Communication and Monitoring Requirements

Landline Required: Premises must have functioning landline telephone
Landline number must be provided to Garland Police Department
Number displayed prominently within 5 feet of front door in 18-point font
24-hour monitoring requirement by owner or designated manager

Neighbor Relations and Community Standards

Adjacent Property Owner Notification

Annual written notice required to all immediately adjoining properties
Includes properties across alleys and streets
Notice must contain:
- Full names of all owners and property managers
- Current telephone numbers for 24-hour monitoring
Updates required when contact information changes

Property Identification

Placard Required: Display within 5 feet of front door or main entrance
18-point font requirement for visibility
Must include:
- Full name of owner or property manager
- Landline telephone number of premises
- 24-hour management contact number

Parking and Traffic Management

Guest Parking Restrictions

No on-street parking permitted for STR guests
Citations issued by city marshals for violations
Addresses resident complaints about driveway blocking and emergency vehicle access

Health and Safety Standards

Annual Inspection Requirements

Full inspection required before initial permit issuance
Annual inspection required for permit renewal
Properties must be vacant during inspection
Copy of inspection report provided to responsible party
Properties may face permit suspension for non-compliance

Insurance Requirements

Proof of liability insurance required with application
Insurance must be maintained throughout licensing period

Enforcement and Penalties

Violation Tracking

Three violations in one year results in license suspension
Citations issued by city marshals for parking violations
Repeat violators may face compliance agreements with additional restrictions

Enforcement Tools

City marshals enforce parking restrictions
Code compliance officers conduct inspections
Neighborhood police officers respond to violations
Non-emergency reporting platform available for resident complaints

Permit Status

Permits cannot be assigned or transferred
Habitual violators may lose ability to operate in the city
Compliance agreements with additional regulations possible

State-Level Regulations (Texas)

While Texas has not implemented comprehensive statewide STR regulations, several state laws impact short-term rental operations:

Hotel Occupancy Tax

STR operators must collect and remit hotel occupancy tax
Tax rate varies by jurisdiction (typically 6-8%)
Monthly or quarterly remittance requirements

Local Authority Preemption

Texas law allows cities to regulate STRs through zoning and licensing
Cities can impose stricter requirements than state law
Garland's regulations are within municipal authority

Property Rights

STR operators have property rights under Texas law
Cities must provide due process for license revocation
Appeals processes must be available

Contact Information for Local Authority

Code Compliance Department

Primary Contact for STR Licensing and Compliance

Address: 210 Carver Suite 101, Garland, TX 75040
Phone: (972) 485-6400
Email: Contact via main office
Services: Applications, inspections, violations, general inquiries

General City Contact

Address: 200 N. Fifth St., Garland, TX 75040
Mailing: P.O. Box 469002, Garland, TX 75046
Phone: (972) 205-2000
Email: garland@garlandtx.gov

Emergency and Enforcement

Non-emergency reporting: Available through city platform
Code compliance violations: Contact Code Compliance Department
Parking violations: Enforced by city marshals

Source Pages and References

STR Informational Page - Official city regulations and requirements
Single Family/Short Term Rental Program - Application process and fees
City of Garland Code of Ordinances - Complete municipal code including Chapter 26.64 prohibited conduct
Garland STR Regulatory Changes - Recent regulatory updates announcement

Important Compliance Notes

Enforcement of new regulations began September 11, 2025
Properties with three violations in a year face license suspension
Annual inspections are mandatory for all STRs
The $500 annual license fee represents a significant increase requiring financial planning
48-hour minimum stay requirement may impact booking strategy and revenue optimization
No on-street parking restriction requires adequate off-street parking availability

STR operators in Garland must maintain continuous compliance with evolving regulations and should establish relationships with Code Compliance officers for guidance on ongoing requirements.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Garland

Garland is a city in northern Texas, primarily situated in Dallas County with small portions extending into Collin and Rockwall counties. With a population of roughly 240,000 residents, it is one of the most populous suburbs in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex and has a notably diverse, working- and middle-class character. The city is best known as a residential and light-industrial hub just northeast of Dallas, and it serves as a convenient, lower-key base for travelers exploring the broader DFW region. Downtown Dallas lies only about twelve miles to the southwest, an easy drive down Interstate 635 or through the surrounding suburban streets. Garland, Texas

Lake Ray Hubbard forms the eastern edge of Garland and is one of the largest reservoirs in North Texas. Spanning more than twenty thousand acres across Dallas, Rockwall, and Collin counties, the lake offers boating, fishing, sailing, and a string of lakeside restaurants and marinas that draw weekenders from across the metroplex. Visitors staying in Garland can typically reach the waterfront in roughly fifteen minutes, making it an easy afternoon escape without leaving the city limits. Lake Ray Hubbard

Spring Creek Forest Preserve is a roughly thirty-five-acre pocket of old-growth woodland tucked into a residential area of Garland, protecting one of the last remaining stands of native Blackland Prairie forest in the region. The preserve offers around two miles of shaded hiking trails where visitors can spot migratory songbirds, armadillos, and seasonal wildflowers, and it sits within a short drive of most short-term rentals in the city. The trail loop is gentle enough for families and provides a quiet contrast to the suburban streets that surround it.

Downtown Garland, organized around the historic courthouse square and the Granville Arts Center, has been quietly revitalizing in recent years. The arts center hosts a year-round calendar of theater productions, concerts, and community events, and the surrounding square fills with food trucks, local artisans, and live music during the city's recurring outdoor markets. Restored mid-twentieth-century storefronts house diners, coffee shops, and small boutiques that give the district a walkable, neighborhood feel. It is the kind of area that rewards guests who stay a few days rather than pass through.

For visitors who want to venture beyond Garland, the cultural anchors of downtown Dallas—including the Dallas Museum of Art, the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, and the Perot Museum of Nature and Science—are reachable in roughly twenty to thirty minutes by car. Sports fans heading to American Airlines Center or Globe Life Field face a similar drive. The combination of urban proximity, a relaxed suburban setting, and natural amenities like the lake and forest preserve makes Garland a versatile base for travelers who want the full DFW experience without paying downtown nightly rates.

Garland, Texas

Challenging To Investors

STR Regulations for Garland, Texas