More Temple homeowners now want to list their properties on Airbnb and VRBO, thanks to the steady flow of visitors to Scott & White Medical Center and our historic downtown area. If you’re thinking about turning your property into a short-term rental, you’ll need to know the rules that apply in Temple, Texas.
What counts as a short-term rental?
When you rent out your home for less than 30 days at a time, that’s a short-term rental (STR). Temple has clear rules about where you can run an STR and what permits you need. These rules differ from regular long-term rental laws. You must follow them to stay legal.
Here’s what you need to start an STR in Temple:
- Get a Special Use Permit from Temple’s Planning Department
- Sign up for a Texas Sales Tax Permit to collect hotel tax
- Buy the right insurance for short-term rentals
- Meet all building safety rules
- Put in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
- Set up the correct number of parking spots
Running your STR by the rules
Once you’re up and running, you’ll need to:
- Keep clear records of when people stay and what they pay
- Send in hotel tax payments every three months
- Keep noise levels within city limits
- Follow guest limit rules
- Fix any problems neighbors report right away
- Get regular safety checks
These rules seem like a lot, but they keep you and your guests safe and legal. Many Temple property owners run successful STRs by following these steps carefully.
If you want to start a short-term rental in Temple, talk to a local real estate lawyer who knows STR rules. They’ll help you start on the right foot and avoid expensive mistakes.
