FWSTRA in the News

Under new short-term rental ordinance, Fort Worth cites 114 properties (msn.com)

Since Fort Worth approved a new short-term rental ordinance in 2023, city staff have issued 114 citations for non-compliance.  

Owners of properties that meet the requirements of the ordinance are allowed to apply for a permit to operate a short-term rental in entertainment and commercially zoned districts. The ordinance also allows city staff to enforce the rules of the ordinance. 

Since the ordinance was adopted in February 2023, 98 people have applied to legally operate a short-term rental in Fort Worth, according to data from the City of Fort Worth. Of those applicants, 85 were approved. The 13 applications were denied mostly because the properties were located in areas zoned for residential housing, which is not allowed under the ordinance. 

The ordinance also requires that short-rental owners host no events or parties at the properties, pay an initial $150 registration fee and renew each year for $100. The city also collects a hotel occupancy tax from short-term rental owners.  

The city's code compliance department is responsible for investigating resident complaints about properties suspected of illegally operating as a short-term rental. Most complaints stem from a nuisance such as parties, excessive noise or trash, the city said. 

After a complaint is made, city staff monitors the property for activity, which could include online bookings, vehicle traffic and conversations with renters and neighbors, according to the city's reports. When violations are observed, the city can issue a fine of up to $500. If the cases involve fire safety, zoning or sanitation fines can reach up to $2,000. 

Since the ordinance was finalized, the code compliance department has investigated 222 properties, resulting in 114 violations, an increase from violations issued in previous years. In 2023, the city issued 182 citations, so far in 2024 the city has issued 88. 

The city is currently being sued  by short-term rental operators who claim the city's ordinance is unconstitutional and a "violation of economic liberty and property rights."

The combined impact of short-term vacation rentals and their guests drove nearly $14.3 billion in business sales in the state of Texas, supporting 83,552 jobs and generating approximately $1.2 billion in state and local tax revenues. CLICK THE LINK FOR THE FULL REPORT.

Texas - Short Term Vacation Rental Economic Impact - 2023 February.pdf

Read the story in the Fort Worth Report: https://fortworthreport.org/2023/07/18/fort-worth-denies-allegations-in-short-term-rental-suit-asks-judge-to-dismiss-all-claims/

Wednesday, February 22, 2023, Texas State House Representative Gary Gates, District 28, filed HB "Relating to regulation of short term rental properties by municipalities and counties, authorizing a fee."  The Fort Worth Short Term Rental Alliance will be reviewing the bill (read text) and gearing up to provide testimony at the State House. There may be multiple opportunities to provide testimony and we need to be ready.   You can follow the bill process here. The chair of each committee decides when the committee will meet and which bills will be considered. Meetings of a House committee or subcommittee are generally required to be open to the public. The Senate rules do not explicitly provide for different types of meetings but do require that a public hearing allowing public testimony be held on a bill before it can be reported from committee.  The FWSTRA will keep you posted on when the bill is scheduled to be heard and provide as much notice as possible for members. In the meantime, consider creating an account, which is required to testify at the State House.  Registration Recommendations IMPORTANT : You can save time when you arrive at the Texas Capitol to register by creating your public profile in advance and be prepared by knowing: The correct bill number In which committee hearing the bill is being heard The time and location of the hearing (View upcoming meetings)

Fort Worth City Council to vote on new rules for short-term rentals. Here’s what would change under ordinance | Fort Worth Report

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article263609513.html

https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/fort-worth-city-leaders-considering-airbnb-short-term-rental-regulations/287-2da0fc9b-c485-417d-8ff3-4dfaefe1cee7

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaiG1yYUXr0

https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article263892542.html

https://www.fox4news.com/news/city-of-fort-worth-hears-from-homeowners-over-short-term-rental-regulations