Is rental arbitrage legal in Texas?
Yes, rental arbitrage is legal in Texas with the landlord's written consent and local compliance. Texas has no statewide short-term rental law: cities and HOAs set the rules, from permits and caps on non-owner-occupied units to simple registration. A 6% state hotel occupancy tax applies to stays under 30 days; stays of 30+ days are generally exempt.
Summary reviewed . Not legal advice; confirm with the city before signing a lease.
What applies statewide.
Your checklist.
- Written landlord consent covering STR, MTR or both
- City permit or registration status for the address
- HOA or condo bylaws reviewed
- Tax accounts opened for state and local lodging taxes
- STR liability insurance naming the landlord
Summary reviewed October 2026. Rules change; this is not legal advice. Confirm with the city before signing a lease.
City-by-city rules and listings.
Texas FAQ.
Is rental arbitrage legal in Texas?
Yes, with landlord permission and local compliance. Texas has no statewide short-term rental law. Cities and HOAs set the rules, and they vary widely: some require permits and cap non-owner-occupied units, others only require registration and tax collection.
Do I need a permit for an Airbnb in Texas?
It depends on the city. Austin: permit required; Dallas: registration required; Houston: registration required; San Antonio: permit required. Stays of 30 consecutive days or more are generally exempt from hotel occupancy tax and most city STR rules.
What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Texas?
State hotel occupancy tax of 6% applies to stays under 30 days, plus city and county hotel taxes.
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