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El Paso

Texas · United States
Pending
Last updated: 2026-07-29  ·  Last verified: 2026-07-29  ·  Region: US

At a Glance — El Paso Airbnb & STR Rules

RuleDetails
Regulatory StatusProposed / pending
Permit / License RequiredYes
Tax RateHotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) now applies to STRs per City Council resolution approved June 9, 2026 — El Paso's combined HOT rate has historically been ap
Night / Day CapNone specified; STR defined as rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days
Minimum StayNo city-specific minimum stay ordinance currently in effect
Permit FeeSTR registration/license fee: approximately $100/year (per available secondary sources; confirm with City of El Paso Planning & Inspections)
PenaltiesGeneral nuisance ordinance violations subject to city enforcement; penalties for HOT non-compliance per Texas Tax Code; specific STR penalties to be d
Occupancy LimitNot specified in current available code
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El Paso Airbnb & Vacation Rental Regulation Overview

El Paso Short-Term Rental Regulations Overview

Short-term rental regulations in El Paso, Texas are currently under development or pending approval as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes. The associated permit fees are STR registration/license fee: approximately $100/year (per available secondary sources; confirm with.

Tax Requirements for Airbnb Hosts in El Paso

Short-term rental operators in El Paso should be aware of these tax obligations: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) now applies to STRs per City Council resolution approved June 9, 2026 — El Paso's combined HOT rate has historically been approximately 15.5% (state 6% + local portion); confirm current rate at elpasotexas.gov.

Hosting Rules and Restrictions in El Paso

Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in El Paso include: Rental day cap: None specified; STR defined as rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days. Occupancy limit: Not specified in current available code. Minimum stay: No city-specific minimum stay ordinance currently in effect.

Zoning and Location Requirements in El Paso

Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in El Paso: STRs currently grouped under bed-and-breakfast classification in city zoning code. Dedicated STR zoning classifications are under development. Accessory structures used as STRs require zoning approval. Density rules: None currently codified. Insurance: Yes.

Penalties for Non-Compliance in El Paso

Hosts who fail to comply with El Paso's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. General nuisance ordinance violations subject to city enforcement; penalties for HOT non-compliance per Texas Tax Code; specific STR penalties to be defined in forthcoming ordinance.

Platform Obligations in El Paso

Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in El Paso: No formal platform-specific obligations currently codified; state Hotel Occupancy Tax collection applies.

Full Regulatory Details

Regulatory Status
Pending
License / Registration
Yes
Tax Registration
Yes
Permit Fee
STR registration/license fee: approximately $100/year (per available secondary sources; confirm with City of El Paso Planning & Inspections)
Night / Day Cap
None specified; STR defined as rental for fewer than 30 consecutive days
Occupancy Limit
Not specified in current available code
Tax Rate
Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) now applies to STRs per City Council resolution approved June 9, 2026 — El Paso's combined HOT rate has historically been approximately 15.5% (state 6% + local portion); confirm current rate at elpasotexas.gov
Zoning Restrictions
STRs currently grouped under bed-and-breakfast classification in city zoning code. Dedicated STR zoning classifications are under development. Accessory structures used as STRs require zoning approval under El Paso County rules for unincorporated areas.
Minimum Stay
No city-specific minimum stay ordinance currently in effect
Density Rules
None currently codified
Insurance Required
Yes
Platform Obligations
No formal platform-specific obligations currently codified; state Hotel Occupancy Tax collection applies
Compliance Notes
As of October 2025, El Paso was on the verge of creating a dedicated STR ordinance; the city had been working with the El Paso Short-Term Rental Alliance. STRs were previously grouped with bed-and-breakfast lodging in city code with no dedicated STR definition. On June 9, 2026, City Council approved a resolution to begin collecting Hotel Occupancy Tax on STRs, estimated to generate ~$3.5 million annually. A full STR ordinance with registration requirements, fee structures, and operational guidelines was under development as of late 2025/2026. General nuisance ordinances (noise, parking, trash) apply to all STR hosts and guests. El Paso County (unincorporated areas) separately has no codified STR ordinance but publishes non-binding 'Good Neighbor Guidelines.'
Effective Date
HOT collection on STRs: June 9, 2026 (City Council resolution). Full dedicated STR ordinance: Pending (under development as of July 2026)
Key Notes
El Paso was, until June 2026, the only large Texas municipality not collecting HOT on STRs. The city's STR regulatory framework is actively evolving. The new ordinance is expected to include registration requirements and fee structures. Operators should monitor elpasotexas.gov/short-term-rentals and contact El Paso City Development Customer Service at 915-212-0104 for the latest requirements. State-level Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%) applies. El Paso Short-Term Rental Alliance (elpasostra.org) is a stakeholder resource.
Penalties
General nuisance ordinance violations subject to city enforcement; penalties for HOT non-compliance per Texas Tax Code; specific STR penalties to be defined in forthcoming ordinance
Additional Context
Texas defines STRs as rentals of 30 consecutive days or fewer (85th Legislature H.B. 2551). El Paso County (separate from the City) has no codified STR ordinance for principal structures but requires zoning approval for accessory structures used as STRs (planningdevelopment.elpasoco.com). City STR ordinance development was informed by multiple stakeholder sessions with the El Paso Short-Term Rental Alliance.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Airbnb legal in El Paso?

Short-term rental regulations in El Paso are currently under development. Rules may change as legislation is finalized. As of October 2025, El Paso was on the verge of creating a dedicated STR ordinance; the city had been working with the El Paso Short-Term Rental Alliance. STRs were previously grouped with bed-and-bre

Do you need a permit for Airbnb in El Paso?

Yes. El Paso requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in El Paso?

Short-term rental hosts in El Paso are subject to the following tax obligations: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) now applies to STRs per City Council resolution approved June 9, 2026 — El Paso's combined HOT rate has historically been approximately 15.5% (state 6% + local portion); confirm current rate at elpasotexas.gov.

What are the penalties for illegal Airbnb hosting in El Paso?

Hosts who operate without proper permits in El Paso may face enforcement. General nuisance ordinance violations subject to city enforcement; penalties for HOT non-compliance per Texas Tax Code; specific STR penalties to be defined in forthcoming ordinance.

What are the key STR compliance requirements in El Paso?

El Paso was, until June 2026, the only large Texas municipality not collecting HOT on STRs. The city's STR regulatory framework is actively evolving. The new ordinance is expected to include registration requirements and fee structures. Operators should monitor elpasotexas.gov/short-term-rentals and contact El Paso City Development Customer Service at 915-212-0104 for the latest requirements. Stat

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