Irving Short Term Rental Regulation: A Guide For Airbnb Hosts

Starting a Short Term Rental Business in Irving

The City of Irving recently adopted an ordinance requiring that short-term rentals (STRs) operated within city limits be registered with the city by Oct. 1, 2022 to ensure it can quickly contact owners when issues occur3. STRs are defined as "any single-family residential structure, or portion thereof, used for lodging accommodations to guests for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive days."3

The purpose of requiring STR registration is to ensure that STRs operate in a manner that maintains the quality of life in residential neighborhoods. By requiring property owners to register, the city will be aware of where STRs operate, have swift access to contact information for operators and ensure that STRs operate in compliance with Irving's codes and state law3.

All single-family homes used as STRs must register annually. If an STR is owned by more than one person or entity, anyone with 50% or more ownership interest must provide their information on the registration form, though no additional fee applies3. Multifamily properties like apartments are not required to register separately as STRs, as the city already has a multifamily licensing and inspection program in place3.

Short Term Rental Licensing Requirement in Irving

Based on Irving's updated building standards code, all short-term rentals are required to obtain a certificate of registration from the city. You can apply for a certificate of registration by visiting Irving's online portal1. After creating an account, navigate to the Business Center page. Under the orange bell icon, select the "Read Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration Application" link to complete, pay and submit the STR registration form1.

A certificate of registration is valid for 1 year from the date of issuance, and must be renewed annually. The registration fee is $200, and must be paid at the time of application, and subsequently with each renewal1. Failure to register an STR property can result in fines and penalties.

Required Documents for Irving Short Term Rentals

Applicants will be required to provide the following information in their STR registration application1:

• The physical street address of the short-term rental property
• The name, address, phone number, email, date of birth, and driver's license number of the owner and designated agent
• If the owner is not an individual, the name and contact information of the corporate representative with authority to act on behalf of the owner, along with business entity documents
• The name and website link to all internet platforms used to advertise or take reservations for the STR
• The account number issued by the City of Irving for payment of hotel occupancy taxes
• The number of bedrooms and off-street parking spaces at the STR property

Providing false information on the application is grounds for denial, suspension or revocation of the STR registration1. The city may also request additional documentation as needed to verify the information provided.

Irving Short Term Rental Taxes

In addition to registration, Irving imposes a hotel occupancy tax (HOT) of 7% of the cost of booking on short-term rentals. Short-term rental Hosts are required to collect the HOT from guests and remit it to the city on a monthly basis113.

For more information about Irving's HOT, Hosts can view Article 16A of the city code, or contact Yessemeri Chavez in the Code Enforcement Department at ychavez@cityofirving.org1.

Failure to collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes is a violation subject to fines and penalties. The city may audit STR Hosts to ensure proper payment of taxes. Airbnb collects and remits the state's 6% hotel occupancy tax on behalf of its Hosts in Texas, but Hosts are still responsible for local city taxes1314.

Irving-wide Short Term Rental Rules

In addition to registration and tax collection, short-term rental Hosts in Irving are required to adhere to certain operating standards, including13:

• Designating an agent who will be able to arrive at the STR property within one hour of being contacted by the city. Designated agents must be at least 21 years old.
• Posting the STR registration certificate number and owner/agent contact information within the online listing
• Providing guests with a floor plan showing fire exits and evacuation routes
• Notifying the city in writing within 3 days of any material change to the information on the STR registration application
• Adhering to occupancy limits based on the number of bedrooms and off-street parking spaces
• Ensuring the property is properly maintained in accordance with city building, health and safety codes
• Responding to and resolving any complaints or violations in a timely manner

Violations of the STR ordinance may result in fines up to $2,000 per offense. The city may also suspend or revoke an STR registration for repeated noncompliance1. Irving's goal is to allow STRs to operate while minimizing any negative impacts on surrounding neighbors and the community.

Does Irving strictly enforce STR rules?

It is still unclear exactly how strictly Irving will enforce the new short-term rental regulations that went into effect in October 2022. The code compliance office said it could take at least six months to begin full enforcement of the rules as the registration process gets underway2.

Compared to some other major cities in Texas, Irving's STR regulations are more of a middle ground. For example, the City of Dallas recently banned short-term rentals from operating in all single-family neighborhoods219. Irving still allows them citywide as long as they are registered and follow the ordinance requirements.

Some Airbnb hosts on the Bigger Pockets real estate investing forums have expressed continued interest in operating STRs in Irving, seeing opportunity due to its proximity to Dallas and major corporate headquarters that draw business travelers11. However, it remains to be seen if the new registration process, fees, and operating rules will deter or discourage some hosts.

Overall, the city seems to be taking a balanced approach - allowing short-term rentals to continue while putting guardrails in place to protect quality of life. But the proof will be in the enforcement and compliance data over the coming months and years. Irving appears open to adjusting its STR ordinance as needed based on community feedback.

How to Start a Short Term Rental Business in Irving

Here are the key steps to start operating a short-term rental in Irving in compliance with the city's new ordinance:

• Carefully review the short-term rental regulations to ensure your property is eligible and can meet all requirements3.
• Register for a certificate of registration on the city's online portal and pay the $200 annual fee1. Registration is required by October 1st each year.
• Designate a local agent who can quickly respond to any issues at the property within one hour1. The agent must be at least 21 years old.
• Obtain any necessary building permits from the Inspections Department if making improvements or renovations to the property5.
• Set up your short-term rental listing on sites like Airbnb and VRBO. Be sure to include all information required by the city, such as your STR registration number and agent contact info1.
• Establish a system for providing guests with safety information and evacuation routes, as well as for collecting and remitting the 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax on a monthly basis113.
• Maintain the property in good condition and quickly respond to any complaints in accordance with Irving's building codes and STR ordinance standards3.
• Renew your STR registration annually by October 1st and pay the renewal fee. Notify the city of any changes to your registration information within 3 days1.

By following these steps and adhering to the STR regulations, you can legally operate a short-term rental business in Irving. The city has tried to streamline the registration process while still ensuring STRs are good neighbors in the community.

Who to contact in Irving about Short Term Rental Regulations and Zoning?

Here is the contact information for key city departments and staff overseeing short-term rental registration, enforcement, and related issues in Irving:

For questions regarding short-term rental registration application and licensing:Susan Taylor
Code Enforcement Department
Email: staylor@cityofirving.org
Phone: (972) 721-4872

For information on filing and paying the monthly Hotel Occupancy Tax:Yessemeri Chavez
Code Enforcement Department
Email: ychavez@cityofirving.org

To report issues, complaints or potential violations at a short-term rental property:
Phone: (972) 721-4929
Submit an online complaint formFor zoning and land use questions related to short-term rentals:

Planning & Community Development Department
Phone: (972) 721-2424
Email: planning@cityofirving.orgThe city also encourages residents to report serious issues with STRs to the hosting platforms, in addition to the city3:

• Airbnb Neighborhood Support
• Vrbo Contact Us

By contacting the appropriate department, you can get answers to your questions about operating an STR in Irving or report an issue to the city for follow-up. The city has made a range of contact methods available to assist STR operators and community members.

What do Airbnb hosts in Irving on Reddit and Bigger Pockets think about local regulations?

Here is a sampling of discussions and perspectives from short-term rental hosts and investors regarding Irving's STR regulations on Reddit and the Bigger Pockets forums:

• On the Bigger Pockets forums, one prospective host was considering purchasing a property in Irving to rent to traveling nurses or use as an Airbnb. They were seeking input from other investors on the feasibility and navigating the new city regulations11.
• In a Reddit thread about relocating to Irving for work, some commenters discussed the city's building codes and zoning restrictions that apply to rental properties. They noted STRs are allowed but the registration requirements and fees are new as of 202213.
• Another Bigger Pockets user was looking for advice on setting up a furnished rental property in the Irving/Las Colinas area, though not necessarily as a short-term rental. Commenters discussed the strong rental market but cautioned to review the new STR ordinance carefully15.
• A few Reddit users debated the pros and cons of Irving's approach to STRs compared to full bans enacted in other cities. Some felt the regulations struck a reasonable balance while others worried about impacts on property rights913.
• One Airbnb host on Bigger Pockets said they planned to sell their Irving STR property due to the new rules and registration costs. But others saw opportunity and said they were keeping their Irving rentals active11.

Overall, there seems to be continued interest from investors in the short-term rental potential in Irving, given the major employers and central location in the Metroplex. But the new regulatory landscape is also giving some hosts and owners pause.

The city's goal appears to be allowing STRs to operate but with greater oversight and accountability to neighbors. Time will tell how operators adapt and comply with the new ordinance and if the city's registration and enforcement approach is effective at addressing community concerns.

As an STR host or investor in Irving, it's critical to stay informed on the evolving regulations, be proactive in compliance, and closely monitor the impact on your business model and bottom line. The Irving STR market is likely to keep evolving as the city refines its rules and operators adjust.