Short-Term Rentals (STR)

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Updated: June 28, 2023

In February 2023, City Council approved a registration ordinance(PDF, 4MB) for legal short-term rentals in Fort Worth.

What is a Short-term Rental?

Short-term rentals are residential dwelling units, apartments, condominiums or accessory dwellings available for rent for guest lodging for a period ranging from 1 to 29 days.

Where are STRs allowed?

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in all mixed-use and most form-based, commercial, and industrial zoning districts. Rentals are not allowed in residential districts: A-#, AR, B, R1, R2, CR, C, D, UR.

All STRs operating legally in the City of Fort Worth will need to register and pay the Hotel Occupancy Tax.  

Collection

Every person (entity) owning, operating, managing, or controlling any STR in the City of Fort Worth (City) shall collect Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) in the amount of 9% of room receipts from their guests, report the collections, and pay the tax to the City unless an exemption applies. The City of Fort Worth hotel occupancy tax rate includes a 7% hotel tax and 2% hotel convention tax paid by the occupant.

Please note that the State of Texas has similar requirements relating to HOT. For more information, please visit their website at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/

Enforcement

The Code Compliance Department is responsible for investigating complaints and issuing warnings or citations for STR violations.   

Registered STR List

Registered as of 09/27/2023

Click the three horizontal bars to see the full pdf page. To zoom use the + or - buttons.  This pdf can be downloaded or printed.

 

Step 1: Registration

Applicants must register the property with the City before the property is listed for use, as follows:

1. Determine if the rental property is allowed based on current zoning:

a. Go to the CFW Permit Assist Zoning Tool.  (Read more about it on the Zoning page. )

b. Select ‘Find My Location’ under Zoning Portal.

c. Under Project Type, type ‘Short-term Rental’. Then hit ‘Search’.

 i. Under ‘Commercial Uses’, select ‘SHORT-TERM HOME RENTAL’.

 ii. Hit Next at the bottom of the page.

d. The interactive zoning map will display highlighting where STRs are allowed.

i. Enter the property address in the ‘Address*’ field. Address format: Address, City, Texas ZIP (EX: 200 Texas Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76102)

ii. Hit Next at the bottom of the page.

2. If the property is 'ALLOWED', the determination will reflect 'Your project is allowed at this location':

a. Download the zoning confirmation using the ‘Download PDF’ option at the bottom of the page.

b. Complete the Hotel Occupancy Tax and Short Term Rental Registration Form. You may mail or email registration, the zoning confirmation from Permit Assist and any other applicable documentation (ie. Exemption certificate). Email the documents to TreasuryRevenue@fortworthtexas.gov.

c. Remit payment for the applicable registration fee.

  • New Application: $150
  • Renewal Application: $100
 

 Mail Checks to:

City of Fort Worth

PO Box 99005

Fort Worth, TX 76199-0005

 In-person:

City of Fort Worth – City Hall

Lower Level – Central Cashier

200 Texas St.,

Fort Worth, TX 76102

Credit Card Payments:

Phone: 817-392-6665

 

3. If the property is 'NOT ALLOWED', the determination will reflect 'Unfortunately, your project is prohibited at this location'. The property is not allowed for STR use.

The applicant has the option to apply for a Zoning Change to Planned Development (PD). For more information on re-zoning and the public hearing process, please visit www.fortworthtexas.gov/zoning. NOTE: Zoning changes are not guaranteed.

4. Annual registration is required. Registration is not transferrable.

 

The Administrator will review and approve the completed registration form and will email an approval notification and confirmation. Once you receive the notification, you may begin listing the property, filing reports, and making payments online.

 

Step 2: Reporting

STRs are required to report all HOT due to the City on or before the due date on a monthly basis using the hotel app or remittance form. The report is due even when there are no room receipts.

  • The first month’s submission will require a manual filing to be completed by filling and submitting it along with a check to:

City of Fort Worth

PO Box 99005

Fort Worth, TX 76199-0005

Failure to collect taxes, file a report, or file a false report is considered a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punishable per the City of Fort Worth, Texas Code of Ordinances, Article II, § 32-21.


Exemptions

In accordance with City Code, certain guests are “exempt” from paying HOT. The STR is responsible to ensure that granted exemptions are in compliance with the City Code. If the STR mistakenly allows an ineligible exemption, the STR is responsible for paying the applicable taxes (plus penalties and interest) to the City.

Due Dates

Payments are due on the 1st of the month and considered late after the 25th. If the 25th day falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due by the next business day. The City will honor the date postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service or similar delivery services for mailed payments. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Records Retention

The STR is required to retain all records used to support the amounts on the monthly HOT reports submitted to the City. In the event of a compliance audit, the City will review and examine the STR’s financial records to ensure the STR is in compliance with the City Code.