For Rental Owners
DFW Rental Registration Rules by City (2026)
Many Dallas-Fort Worth cities make landlords register a rental home with the city before a tenant moves in, and some add a city inspection, a yearly renewal and a fee. The rules differ from one city to the next, often between neighbors, and they are easy to miss: a city that requires registration usually enforces it through code compliance, and a rental operating without it can draw a citation and fines.
This table lists the rules for 56 DFW cities. Every row links to the city's own source and shows when it was last checked.
Cities change these rules. Before you rely on any line here, check the city's own ordinance or program page (linked beside each fact). This page is general information, not legal advice.
| Renewal | Permit name | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aledo | No | No | NoNone for long-term rentals; building inspections apply only to permits/CO issuance, and code enforcement is complaint-driven | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Oct 12, 2026 |
| Allen | No | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 7, 2026 |
| Anna | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Annual | $43 application, $300 renewal | Rental Registration Program | City source Last checked Oct 26, 2026 |
| Argyle | No | No | NoNone for long-term rentals; code enforcement is complaint-driven (Code Compliance inspects on complaint, usually issuing warnings first) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 8, 2026 |
| Arlington | No | Yes | YesAnnual | Annual | $22.36 application, $22.36 renewal | Annual multi-family license | City source Last checked Oct 26, 2026 |
| Aubrey | No | Yes | NoNo routine rental inspections; code compliance is complaint-driven. Commercial CO requires a fire inspection ($100 CO inspection fee) | Annual for apartment license - expires December 31 each year | Not listed | Apartment License (Ordinance #363-05) - multifamily only | City source Last checked Oct 26, 2026 |
| Azle | No | No | NoNone for long-term rentals; code enforcement is complaint-driven. CO inspections (fire/building) apply only to the commercial/MF-common-area CO process | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 8, 2026 |
| Benbrook | No | No | Not listedNot required for long-term rentals; only general code compliance / complaint-driven enforcement and construction inspections | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 8, 2026 |
| Burleson | No | No | NoNot required for long-term rentals; STR permits require a pre-issuance inspection, and general code enforcement is complaint-driven | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 8, 2026 |
| Carrollton | Yes | Yes | YesMulti-family: annual inspection. Single-family: inspected by the City, with annual or periodic inspections as needed. | Annual | $75 application, $75 renewal | Single & Multi-Family Rental Registration | City source Last checked Nov 2, 2026 |
| Cedar Hill | Yes | No | YesExterior inspection within 30 days after RRCO is issued; RRCO is required at each tenant change. | Annual (per rolling calendar year) | $50 application, $25 renewal | Single Family Rental Registration; Residential Rental Certificate of Occupancy (RRCO) | City source Last checked Nov 2, 2026 |
| Cleburne | Not listed | Not listed | YesComplaint-triggered; NPP properties are subject to inspections as necessary to verify abatement and continued compliance. | Annual for properties in the Negligent Property Program | $100 application, $100 renewal | Negligent Property Program (NPP) registration | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Crandall | Yes | Yes | YesBefore a new tenant occupies or moves items in; annual registration/inspection, with 60-month exemption after a successful inspection for qualifying properties. | Annual | $50 application, $0 renewal | Rental Registration | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Crowley | No | No | NoNot required for long-term rentals; only building-permit inspections and complaint-driven code enforcement | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 9, 2026 |
| Dallas | Yes | Yes | YesSingle-family rentals: city inspection at least once every 5 years, not more frequently than once a year, excluding complaints. Multi-tenant properties: at least once every 3 years. | Annual | $74 application, $74 renewal | Single-Family Rental Registration and Inspection Program; Multi-Tenant Inspection Program / Multi-Tenant Certificate of Registration | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Denton | No | No | Not listedNot required for long-term rentals; Code Enforcement offers free interior rental inspections on tenant request/complaint only (reactive 2014 program). STR registrants get an initial inspection within 6 months. | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 9, 2026 |
| DeSoto | Yes | Yes | YesAnnual | Not annual - registration stays valid until a change in tenant or ownership, then re-register (ordinance: within 30 days of change). Inspections are annual regardless. | $10 application | Rental Registration & Inspection Program | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Duncanville | Yes | Yes | YesAt initial registration; every 2 years; and whenever there is a change of tenants, whichever occurs first. | Annual registration; RRCO expires every 2 years or upon tenant change, whichever occurs first. | $150 application, $150 renewal | Residential Rental Certificate of Occupancy (RRCO) / Residential Rental Registration Program | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Everman | Yes | Yes | YesCertificate of Occupancy inspection before occupancy by new tenants | Rental registration renews annually; CO inspection repeats with each new tenant/new water connection | $20 application | Rental Property Registration + Residential Certificate of Occupancy Inspection | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Farmers Branch | Yes | Yes | YesYes - CO inspection at every tenancy change (minimum housing code: grounds, structure, smoke/CO alarms, plumbing, permit history); SFR annual exterior inspection with interior on complaint; apartment complexes inspected annually with all units to be made available | Annual; apartment licenses expire December 31 each year (new owner must apply within 30 days of ownership change); SFR license renews annually | $50 application, $13 renewal | Single-Family Rental License / Apartment Complex Rental License / Residential Certificate of Occupancy Program | City source Last checked Nov 2, 2026 |
| Fate | Yes | Yes | YesYes - inspection of each rental unit paid with the annual registration fee; RRCO not issued until fees are paid and the unit passes inspection; $75 re-inspection fee if failed; schedule via MyGov (utilities on; weekday AM/PM slots) | Annual - RRCOs expire January 1 each year; register/renew and pass inspection to stay compliant | $150 application, $150 renewal | Rental Registration and Inspection Program | City source Last checked Nov 3, 2026 |
| Flower Mound | No | No | NoNot required for long-term rentals; building inspections apply only to permitted construction work | Not listed | Not listed | Certificate of Occupancy | City source Last checked Oct 12, 2026 |
| Forney | Yes | Yes | YesAnnually / each year | Annual | $300 application, $300 renewal | Rental Property Registration Program / RRCO (Residential Rental Certificate of Occupancy) | City source Last checked Nov 4, 2026 |
| Fort Worth | No | Yes | YesMultifamily: city Multi-Family Inspection Section inspects registered complexes (plus Crime-Free Multi-Housing requirements). One-/two-family: inspection/registration only triggered by fire safety or health/sanitation violations. | Annual | $13 application, $13 renewal | Rental Registration / Multifamily Inspection & Registration Program | City source Last checked Oct 26, 2026 |
| Frisco | No | Yes | Not listedMultifamily only: city Code Enforcement conducts 4 routine inspections annually (common areas/exteriors, plus sampled units), and the landlord must self-inspect every unit annually and at each change of occupancy, keeping signed reports on site. No inspections for long-term SFR. | Multifamily license expires December 31 each year; renew before expiration (late fee if renewal submitted after February 1). | $200 application, $200 renewal | Multi-Family Dwelling License (Code Enforcement Multi-Family Inspections program) | City source Last checked Nov 4, 2026 |
| Garland | Yes | Yes | YesSingle-family: upon each change of tenancy unless certified. Multifamily: annually. | Annual | $65 application, $250 renewal | Single-Family Rental Permit | City source Last checked Nov 4, 2026 |
| Granbury | No | No | NoNo routine inspections for long-term rentals; STR permits require a city health/safety inspection before issuance/renewal; otherwise complaint-based code enforcement. | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 27, 2026 |
| Grand Prairie | No | No | NoNone for long-term SFR (complaint-based code enforcement only). Multifamily complexes: annual city inspection (quarterly if Tier 3). STRs: on-site health/safety inspection before permit issuance/renewal. | No renewal for SFR; multifamily tier billing/inspection is annual; STR permits expire the last day of the month one year after issuance. | Not listed | Multifamily Housing Standards / Housing Enforcement tier program (Chapter 28, Article III); Short-Term Rental Permit (Chapter 29, Article IX) for STRs only | City source Last checked Oct 12, 2026 |
| Haltom City | No | No | Not listedNone for long-term rentals; Code Enforcement handles complaint-based property maintenance (IPMC) violations. STRs are subject to Fire Marshal inspections before permit issuance and annually. | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 28, 2026 |
| Haslet | No | No | NoNone for long-term rentals; complaint-based code enforcement only. STRs require a building-services inspection at initial registration and each renewal ($75 inspection fee). | Annual | Not listed | Short‑Term Rental Registration | City source Last checked Nov 4, 2026 |
| Hurst | Yes | Yes | YesAt registration for newly established rental units and when an existing rental unit changes tenants. | Annual | $10 application, $10 renewal | Rental Property Registration | City source Last checked Nov 4, 2026 |
| Irving | No | Yes | Not listedMultifamily properties are inspected by Code Enforcement's Multifamily Division (noncompliant reinspection $100); no inspection program for long-term SFR; STR registration explicitly does not require an inspection | Annual - multifamily and MH/RV community licenses expire Dec 31 and must be renewed by then; hotels/motels by March 31 | $50 application | Multifamily License (Code Enforcement Multifamily Division) | City source Last checked Sep 28, 2026 |
| Keller | No | No | NoNo rental inspection program; code compliance is complaint-driven under adopted property maintenance codes; CO inspections (fire + building) apply only to business/change-of-use situations | Not listed | $50 application | Not listed | City source Last checked Oct 13, 2026 |
| Lancaster | Yes | Yes | YesMulti-family/apartment and hotel/motel: annually; single-family/duplex: each time the tenant changes. | Annual | $20 application, $15 renewal | Rental Registration Program; Apartment/Hotel/Motel License Application | City source Last checked Nov 4, 2026 |
| Lantana | No | No | NoNo rental inspection program; Lantana Districts inspections are construction-permit related only (new residences, pools, fences, roofs, water heaters, HVAC, etc.) | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 28, 2026 |
| Lewisville | No | Yes | YesMulti-family: annual. Single-family: when the city receives notification by owner/future tenant, water service transfer request, or a complaint. | SFR: none (no registration); MF complex license: maintained current per program requirements | $12 application, $12 renewal | Single Family Rental Inspection Program (effective July 1, 2008); Multi-Family License and Inspection Program (effective Aug 9, 2022) | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Little Elm | Yes | Yes | YesDuring tenant change while the property is vacant; annual registration each January. | Annual | $85 application, $85 renewal | Rental Registration | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Mansfield | No | Yes | YesAt least once per calendar year | Annual | $15 application, $15 renewal | Rental registration license | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| McKinney | No | No | NoNot required for long-term rentals; only commercial/new-construction and fire-code inspections apply. | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 30, 2026 |
| Melissa | No | Yes | YesAnnual for multifamily units that are three years or older. | Annual (registration and inspection); specific deadline not published. | Not listed | Multi-Family Inspection Program / Multi-Family License | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Mesquite | Yes | Yes | YesAt initial license issuance; for single-family long-term rentals also upon vacancy/change in tenancy and if no city inspection has occurred in 3 years; for multi-family upon first issuance and periodically, including if no city inspection has occurred in 3 years. | Every 3 years if the same tenant remains; otherwise upon change in tenant for single-family long-term rentals. Multi-family license is annual. | $150 application | Rental Property License; Single-Family Residential Rental Property License for Long-Term Rentals (RPL-LTR); Multi-Family Residential Rental Property License | City source Last checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| Murphy | No | No | NoNot required for long-term rentals; code compliance is complaint-based via Murphy Connect. STRs must obtain annual independent fire-extinguisher inspections. | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 30, 2026 |
| North Richland Hills | Yes | No | YesAt first-time registration; upon complaint; and each time there is a change in tenancy, unless an exemption or self-certification applies. | Annual | Not listed | Rental property registration | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Plano | No | Yes | YesYes for covered multi-family complexes only, as part of the annual registration/inspection program (initial inspection and first reinspection free; 2nd reinspection $250/unit or area, 3rd+ $500/unit or area). No SFR rental inspections. | Annual, due by October 31; registration valid one calendar year unless ownership changes. | Not listed | Multi-Family Rental Registration & Inspection Program | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princeton | No | No | NoNot required for long-term rentals; code compliance is complaint-based (report portal). Business License/CO applicants undergo building/fire/health inspections. | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Sep 30, 2026 |
| Prosper | No | Yes | YesYes for multifamily only, bundled with annual registration: initial inspection and first reinspection free; 2nd reinspection $150 per unit/area; 3rd+ $300 per unit/area. No SFR rental inspection program. | Annual, due on or before March 31. | $25 application, $50 renewal | Multi-Family Dwelling Registration (annual registration and inspection program) | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Providence Village | Yes | Yes | YesYes - CO walkthrough inspection required at each occupancy change ($100, reinspection $75); code states rental dwellings are inspected systematically for compliance with minimum housing/building standards | No annual renewal; new CO required at each change of occupancy/tenant | $100 application | Residential Certificate of Occupancy (Code of Ordinances Article 3.06 - Certificate of Occupancy for Residential Units) | City source Last checked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Richardson | Yes | Yes | Not listed | Annual | $75 application, $75 renewal | Rental Registration Program | City source Last checked Nov 7, 2026 |
| Rowlett | Yes | Yes | YesSingle-family: upon initial application, when tenants change, or upon tenant complaint; multi-family: annually or upon complaint request. | Annual for single-family houses and duplexes. | $50 application, $50 renewal | Rental Housing Standards Program; Single-Family / Duplex Rental Permit | City source Last checked Nov 7, 2026 |
| Royse City | Yes | Yes | YesYes - HO inspection by the City Fire Inspector (electrical/code check) at every rental/lease of a pre-existing home, $75 non-refundable (includes one reinspection; 3rd visit +$75); passed inspection valid only 60 days if home stays unoccupied | SFR rental registration is annual per the fee schedule (deadline not published); HO inspection redone at each new tenancy/utility setup | $50 application, $50 renewal | Certificate of Home Occupancy Inspection (Ord. 06-12-541); Annual Single Family Home Rental Registration (fee added by Ord. 25-10-1753) | City source Last checked Sep 5, 2026 |
| Saginaw | Yes | Yes | YesSingle-family: initial inspection when a new property enters the program, then every 2 years; duplex and townhouse: annual, scheduled no later than 30 days after registration approval; multi-family: annual, assigned a designated inspection month. | Annual registration/renewal per dwelling unit | $115 application, $115 renewal | Rental Registration and Inspection Program | City source Last checked Nov 7, 2026 |
| Seagoville | No | No | YesFor multifamily complexes, owner/manager must inspect each dwelling unit prior to leasing and inspect community rooms/common areas/grounds at least once each calendar year; residential rental properties also require a Certificate of Occupancy inspection before water service. | Annual | $100 application, $100 renewal | Certificate of Occupancy Inspections - Residential Rentals | City source Last checked Oct 14, 2026 |
| Sherman | No | Yes | YesInspections may be performed annually; newly constructed rental properties are exempt from inspection initially; complaint-based inspections are also authorized. | Annual | $10 application, $10 renewal | Residential Rental Property License | City source Last checked Oct 14, 2026 |
| Watauga | Yes | No | YesYes - premises inspected on initial permit application and on every change of occupancy/tenancy (Sec. 22-567); for water service the property must be inspected between each renter or annually if tenancy is unchanged; permanent utility release requires passing (no life-safety/critical violations) or city failure to inspect within 2 business days (Sec. 22-568); owner/manager must be present | Annual permit renewal; inspection redone at each tenancy change (or annually with no change, tied to water service) | $150 application, $50 renewal | Single-Family Dwelling Rental Permit (Code Article XI) | City source Last checked Oct 15, 2026 |
| White Settlement | No | No | YesYes - $75 residential CO inspection before new utility service; scheduled by calling by 2 PM the day before, conducted Tue/Wed/Thu only; violations must be corrected within 30 days or a $60 reinspection fee, citation, and/or utility disconnection can follow | No renewal - new CO/inspection at each new utility service start (tenant change) | $75 application | Residential Certificate of Occupancy / Residential Inspection | City source Last checked Oct 14, 2026 |
| Wylie | No | No | NoNot required for rentals - Building Inspection covers construction permits only; commercial fire inspections are annual, and home inspections are voluntary/on request | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed | City source Last checked Oct 3, 2026 |
"Not listed" means we do not yet have a sourced answer for that city, not that the city has no rule. Open a city for every fact with its own source.
How Blue Atlas Handles This
When a city requires it, Blue Atlas files the rental registration for the homes we manage, so the owner does not have to track the city's forms and deadlines.
Questions
Which DFW cities require rental registration for single-family homes?
Of the 56 Dallas-Fort Worth cities on this page, 23 require single-family rentals to be registered with the city: Anna, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Crandall, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Everman, Farmers Branch, Fate, Forney, Garland, Hurst, Lancaster, Little Elm, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Providence Village, Richardson, Rowlett, Royse City, Saginaw and Watauga.
Which DFW cities do not require single-family rental registration?
32 of the 56 cities on this page do not require single-family rentals to be registered: Aledo, Allen, Argyle, Arlington, Aubrey, Azle, Benbrook, Burleson, Crowley, Denton, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Granbury, Grand Prairie, Haltom City, Haslet, Irving, Keller, Lantana, Lewisville, Mansfield, McKinney, Melissa, Murphy, Plano, Princeton, Prosper, Seagoville, Sherman, White Settlement and Wylie.
Which DFW cities require multi-family rental registration or a license?
32 of the 56 cities on this page require multi-family rental properties to be registered or licensed: Allen, Anna, Arlington, Aubrey, Carrollton, Crandall, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Everman, Farmers Branch, Fate, Forney, Fort Worth, Frisco, Garland, Hurst, Irving, Lancaster, Lewisville, Little Elm, Mansfield, Melissa, Mesquite, Plano, Prosper, Providence Village, Richardson, Rowlett, Royse City, Saginaw and Sherman.
Which DFW cities require rental inspections?
32 of the 56 cities on this page list a rental inspection requirement: Arlington, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, Cleburne, Crandall, Dallas, DeSoto, Duncanville, Everman, Farmers Branch, Fate, Forney, Fort Worth, Garland, Hurst, Lancaster, Lewisville, Little Elm, Mansfield, Melissa, Mesquite, North Richland Hills, Plano, Prosper, Providence Village, Rowlett, Royse City, Saginaw, Seagoville, Sherman, Watauga and White Settlement. Each city page says how often.
How much does rental registration cost in DFW?
34 cities on this page publish an application fee. They run from $10 (DeSoto) to $300 (Forney). Some cities also charge a renewal fee; each city page lists both.
How current are these rules?
Every row shows the date its source was last checked. The most recent check on this page was Nov 7, 2026. Cities change their rules, so confirm with the city before you rely on one.
Cities change these rules. Before you rely on any line here, check the city's own ordinance or program page (linked beside each fact). This page is general information, not legal advice.