In Fort Worth, short-term rentals (STRs) are currently allowed in specific zoning districts. These include:

1. Mixed-Use Zoning Districts: Areas where residential, commercial, and industrial uses are combined.
2. Form-Based Zoning Districts: These include neighborhoods designed with specific standards for building forms rather than specific uses.
3. Commercial Zoning Districts: Areas primarily intended for commercial activities.
4. Industrial Zoning Districts: Areas designated for industrial purposes, where STRs are also permitted.

Important Note: STRs are not allowed in residential districts, including zones labeled as A, AR, B, R1, R2, CR, C, D, and UR. To legally operate in residential areas, property owners would need to seek a zoning change or reclassify the property for legal long-term rental use .

Register Your Property

All short-term rentals (STRs) in Fort Worth must be registered with the city. This process is managed through the Fort Worth permitting system, where you will need to create an account, submit a completed application, and provide required documents. These may include a site plan, floor plans, photographs of the property, and proof of ownership.

Pay Fees

The registration process involves several fees:

• Zoning and Application Review: The fees depend on the specific zoning district of your property.
• Fire Inspection: A fire inspection is required, and the fees vary based on the property’s size and the number of floors.
• Business License: A business license is mandatory for operating an STR. The base fee for this license is around $50, with additional costs depending on the expected income.

Fire Inspection

Your property will need to pass a fire inspection, which ensures that it meets all safety standards. The associated fees are calculated based on the specifics of your property, such as the number of floors and the overall layout.

Obtain a Business License

A business license is required for legally operating your Airbnb. You can apply for this through the same portal used for registration. The cost is typically a base fee plus a percentage of your expected rental income.

Annual Renewal and Compliance

Permits must be renewed annually to continue operating legally. Compliance with city zoning codes and regulations is essential to avoid penalties. This includes the regular payment of hotel occupancy taxes (HOT) to the city, which is required on a monthly basis.

For more detailed guidance, including the latest updates and specific instructions, you can visit the City of Fort Worth's official website or consult with the city’s Code Compliance Department.

For Fort Worth, short-term rental (STR) operators must collect and remit various taxes, including:

• City of Fort Worth Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT): 9%.
• State of Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax: 6%.

The total hotel occupancy tax for short-term rentals in Fort Worth is 15%.

STR operators are responsible for collecting these taxes from their renters and remitting them to the appropriate authorities. This responsibility applies whether the property owner manages the property themselves or hires a property manager. Taxes must be reported and paid monthly to the City of Fort Worth, and failure to do so can result in penalties and interest.

By understanding and adhering to these regulations, Airbnb hosts in Fort Worth can effectively manage their properties, maximize their rental income, and ensure compliance with local laws.