Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in El Paso?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in El Paso, though state and county regulations may still apply. However, all hosts must register and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax. Always check with your HOA, as they can still ban short-term rentals.

What is the TOT tax rate in El Paso?

**7%** is the current Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) rate for short-term rentals in El Paso. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests for stays under 30 days and remitting it to the city. Airbnb and VRBO may collect this tax automatically, but confirm reporting.

Are short-term rentals allowed in El Paso?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in El Paso, as the city does not have a dedicated ordinance prohibiting them. However, hosts must comply with the Hotel Occupancy Tax requirements. Always check with your HOA or any other applicable community guidelines that may restrict rentals.

What happens if I don't pay the HOT tax in El Paso?

**Failure to pay** the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) in El Paso can result in penalties and interest charges. The city requires quarterly reports and timely tax remittance. Hosts must register their property for HOT and ensure compliance with all reporting requirements to avoid potential fines.

El Paso, TX Short-Term Rental Laws

Verified Verification

100%

Verified against official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

2 Official Sources

Summary

The City of El Paso does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental permit or ordinance. However, all hosts are legally required to register and remit a 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) to the city, in addition to Texas state-level taxes.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in the City of El Paso, you don't need a special short-term rental permit as of 2024. However, you must register your property for the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and pay a 7% tax on all bookings under 30 days. Most major platforms like Airbnb collect this for you, but you are still responsible for ensuring the city receives its quarterly reports. Always check with your HOA, as they can still ban short-term rentals even if the city doesn't.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify if you are within El Paso City Limits or in Unincorporated El Paso County; rules differ for tax remittance.
2.The City of El Paso is actively discussing STR regulations; a new ordinance could be introduced in 2024/2025.
3.You must file quarterly tax reports even if your platform (Airbnb/VRBO) collects the taxes for you ('Zero Reporting').
4.Texas state law (SB 929) limits how cities can ban STRs, but El Paso still enforces noise and trash ordinances strictly.
5.Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are subject to specific size and occupancy rules under the El Paso Zoning Code Section 20.10.035.
6.Short-term rentals are treated as 'Residential' use, but 'Bed and Breakfasts' (which include serving food) require a separate permit.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(2)

•El Paso allows STRs in the following property types: Residential dwellings.
•El Paso: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in El Paso: 1. Verify if you are within El Paso City Limits or in Unincorporated El Paso County; rules differ for tax remittance. 2. The City of El Paso is actively discussing STR regulations; a new ordinance could be introduced in 2024/2025. 3. You must file quarterly tax reports even if your platform (Airbnb/VRBO) collects the taxes for you ('Zero Reporting'). 4. Texas state law (SB 929) limits how cities can ban STRs, but El Paso still enforces noise and trash ordinances strictly. 5. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) are subject to specific size and occupancy rules under the El Paso Zoning Code Section 20.10.035. 6. Short-term rentals are treated as 'Residential' use, but 'Bed and Breakfasts' (which include serving food) require a separate permit.

Application Process(4)

•How to set up an STR in El Paso: To host an Airbnb in the City of El Paso, you don't need a special short-term rental permit as of 2024. However, you must register your property for the Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and pay a 7% tax on all bookings under 30 days. Most major platforms like Airbnb collect this for you, but you are still responsible for ensuring the city receives its quarterly reports. Always check with your HOA, as they can still ban short-term rentals even if the city doesn't.

Taxes(3)

•TX has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
•El Paso: You must file quarterly tax reports even if your platform (Airbnb/VRBO) collects the taxes for you ('Zero Reporting').

Limits & Restrictions(3)

•El Paso: Texas state law (SB 929) limits how cities can ban STRs, but El Paso still enforces noise and trash ordinances strictly.
•El Paso: Verify if you are within El Paso City Limits or in Unincorporated El Paso County; rules differ for tax remittance.
•El Paso enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (Standard Noise Ordinance).

Safety Requirements(1)

•El Paso requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors.

Penalties(1)

•El Paso enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First offense: Standard code violation fines ($500 - $2,000 per day). Daily fine: Up to $2,000.

Exemptions(2)

•El Paso exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days).
•El Paso: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Texas Markets

Frisco

Texas

Moderate

The City of Frisco requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual permit and pay a $300 fee. Hosts must collect and remit a 7% city occupancy tax monthly in addition to the 6% state tax. Regulations include mandatory safety equipment, emergency contact posting, and a prohibition on renting to individuals under 21 years of age.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rockport

Texas

Moderate

The City of Rockport requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit and undergo a safety inspection. Hosts must collect and remit a combined 10% local Hotel Occupancy Tax (8% City, 2% County) in addition to state taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

Dallas

Texas

Moderate

Dallas currently requires short-term rental registration and a 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax. While the city passed a strict ordinance in 2023 that would have banned STRs in single-family residential zones, a June 2024 court injunction has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing those zoning restrictions and certain operational rules.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Dripping Springs

Texas

Permissive

Dripping Springs does not have a specific short-term rental permit or ordinance. However, all hosts are required to register for and remit a 7% City Hotel Occupancy Tax for stays under 30 days.

0.1% total tax

El Paso

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(2)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(4)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(3)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Frisco

Rockport

Dallas

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El Paso

Verified Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in El Paso?

2What is the TOT tax rate in El Paso?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in El Paso?

4What happens if I don't pay the HOT tax in El Paso?

Related Content

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Frisco

Rockport

Dallas

Dripping Springs