Short-Term Rentals (STR)

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

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.

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 report can be remitted online at Hotel Tax. Or mailed using the HOT remittance, manual report.

• 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.