City Watch
Short-term rental rules in El Paso, TX
How El Paso regulates short-term rentals: the rules that apply, their sources, and pending changes.
Short-term rentals here are subject to registration, a lodging tax, or a small number of operating rules.
- STR defined in zoning code (Feb 3, 2026) as a residential dwelling use, not a distinct commercial use
- Only STR-specific device is a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) collection resolution, approved June 2026
- Defining ordinance expressly created no new permits, rules, or enforcement mechanisms
- No STR-specific license/registration/permit process in force
- No owner-occupancy or host-present requirement; whole-home / absentee STR permitted
- Standard residential zoning applies; no residential-zone exclusion, cap, or separation rule
Based on: Title 20 (Zoning) amendment adopting STR definition, adopted by City Council Feb. 3, 2026; Hotel Occupancy Tax
Summary of the rule
The City of El Paso will begin collecting Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) on short-term rental properties ... HOT collections on short-term rentals will begin no earlier than 90 days or later than 180 days after adoption. Over the last ten years, the City of El Paso has been the only large municipality in Texas that does not collect hotel occupancy tax on short term rentals.
View the ordinance source ↗✓ Verified
Last reviewed Sep 14, 2026 · Sources · Report an error
Pending legislation
Monitoring El Paso · system last checked Oct 25, 2026
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City Watch tracks changes from public sources — council agendas, state bills, local news — not a complete legal compendium.
A city permit is not the whole picture — HOA, condominium, deed, or lease rules may be stricter.
City Watch provides good-faith summaries of publicly available information as of the review date shown. Rules, enforcement, and permit availability can change, and summaries may contain errors or omissions. Ratings describe the general regulatory environment; they do not establish whether a particular property or stay is permitted. This is general information, not legal advice. Before buying, listing, or hosting, verify applicable requirements with the responsible authorities and review any HOA, condominium, deed, or lease restrictions.