Thinking about renting out your single-family home in Dallas? Before you hand over the keys, you need to register the property with the City and be ready for inspections. The process is straightforward if you know what to expect and what to prepare. In this guide, you’ll get a step-by-step checklist, fee details, inspection basics, and links to official city resources. Let’s dive in.
What the program requires
Dallas requires non‑owner‑occupied single‑dwelling rentals to register annually and comply with minimum property standards. This includes single‑family houses, each unit of a duplex, and individually leased condo units. You must submit an Owner’s Self‑Inspection Checklist and be available for periodic City inspections of the interior, exterior, and premises. You can review the City’s program overview on the Code Compliance page and the legal rules in Chapter 27 of the Dallas City Code.
- Program overview: see the City’s Single‑Family Rental page at the Code Compliance site: program details and forms.
- Legal authority: Chapter 27 (“Minimum Property Standards”) of the Dallas City Code governs registration, fees, inspections, and responsibilities: Dallas City Code, Chapter 27.
Who must register
- You must register if the home is a non‑owner‑occupied single‑dwelling rental in Dallas, including single‑family houses, duplex units, and individually leased condos.
- Owner‑occupied homes do not register as rentals. If your property is not a rental or is otherwise exempt, you may submit the City’s Affidavit of Exemption found on the program page: forms and instructions.
When to register and renew
- Registration is annual and expires one year after the registration date.
- The City advises submitting renewals well in advance, such as at least 60 days before expiration.
- Keep your contact and ownership information current after you register. See renewal guidance in the City’s FAQ.
Fees you can expect
The annual registration fee is set by City Code Sec. 27‑31. These are the legally controlling amounts and dates:
- 53 dollars per unit from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024.
- 64 dollars per unit from October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025.
- 74 dollars per unit on or after October 1, 2025.
The annual registration fee includes the initial comprehensive inspection. If violations are found, a re‑inspection fee may apply. The City’s FAQ notes a one‑time re‑inspection charge for single‑family rentals. For legally binding fee details, see Sec. 27‑31: registration and fees and the City’s FAQ.
How inspections work
- Frequency: The City conducts a comprehensive inspection at least once every five years for single‑family rentals. Complaint‑based inspections can occur at any time, and comprehensive inspections will not occur more than once a year. See the program overview.
- Scope: Inspections cover the interior, exterior, and premises.
- Attendance: If you do not live locally, your tenant or your authorized agent may attend. See the City’s FAQ for details.
Register online: step by step
You will complete the process through the City’s VGOV portal. The City provides instructions and links on its Single‑Family application page.
- Confirm you must register. If the home is non‑owner‑occupied and leased, you must register. If not a rental, consider the Affidavit of Exemption. Find both on the City’s application page.
- Gather required documents. See the list below.
- Complete the online application in VGOV and upload your documents.
- Pay the annual fee based on the dates in Sec. 27‑31.
- Prepare for the City inspection using the checklist in this article and the City’s Owner’s Self‑Inspection Checklist.
- If violations are cited, correct them promptly and be ready for a re‑inspection.
- Renew annually and update your information if anything changes.
Documents you need
Have these items ready before you start the online application:
- Government‑issued photo ID for the owner. See the City’s application page.
- Owner’s Self‑Inspection Checklist and required affidavit. See the City’s program page.
- Affidavit of Single Dwelling Unit Rental or Affidavit of Exemption, as applicable. See the City’s application page.
- Recommended: Crime Prevention Lease Addendum, insurance contact, and lienholder information. See the City’s application page.
Pre‑inspection home checklist
Focus on health, safety, and habitability items that Chapter 27 emphasizes. Address issues before the City visit.
- Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms are installed and working.
- Exterior doors and windows open, close, and lock properly; street address numbers are visible from the street.
- Electrical is safe: no exposed wiring, working outlets and light fixtures, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.
- Plumbing is leak‑free; toilets, sinks, and showers function with adequate hot water.
- Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, when provided, operate correctly.
- Stairs, steps, and handrails are secure with no trip hazards.
- Roof, siding, and paint are intact; no major structural deterioration.
- Yards are free of junk or nuisance accumulations; fences and gates operate as intended.
- No signs of uncontrolled pests; address rodents or insects as required.
- Resolve any prior code violations and keep repair records and permits.
For the legal standards that drive these checks, review Chapter 27 and the City’s Owner’s Self‑Inspection materials on the program page.
Owner responsibilities to remember
- Maintain minimum property standards and comply with applicable laws. See Chapter 27.
- Keep your registration information current and renew on time per Sec. 27‑31.
- Provide a written lease in the occupant’s primary language upon request if that language is English, Spanish, or Vietnamese. See lease language requirement.
- If you qualify, ask Code Compliance about the Self‑Certification program for compliant properties. See the overview in Chapter 27.
Avoid common mistakes
- Waiting until the last minute to renew. Aim to file at least 60 days before expiration.
- Using outdated fee information. Confirm current amounts in Sec. 27‑31.
- Skipping the Owner’s Self‑Inspection Checklist. It is required and helps you pass the City inspection.
- Not fixing cited violations quickly. Re‑inspection fees and enforcement can follow.
Quick contacts
- Code Compliance, Single‑Family Rental Program: 3112 Canton St., Dallas, TX 75226.
- Phone: 214‑671‑RENT (7368)
- Email: [email protected]
- Forms, portal, and instructions: City’s application page
If you want a local partner to help you lease, manage, and maintain your Dallas rental with predictable, flat‑fee service, connect with Ohlig Group. Our team manages the details so you can focus on returns.
FAQs
How Dallas single‑family rental registration works
- You register annually through the City’s VGOV portal, submit the Owner’s Self‑Inspection Checklist, and prepare for periodic inspections; see the City’s program page.
How often Dallas inspects single‑family rentals
- The City conducts a comprehensive inspection at least once every five years, with complaint‑based inspections as needed; see the program overview.
What the Dallas rental registration fee covers
- The annual fee set in Sec. 27‑31 includes the initial comprehensive inspection; re‑inspection fees can apply if violations are found.
Who must register a Dallas rental home
- Any non‑owner‑occupied single‑family house, duplex unit, or individually leased condo unit must register; see the City’s FAQ.
How to handle Dallas inspection violations
- Correct violations promptly, provide access for re‑inspection, and expect possible re‑inspection fees; see the City’s FAQ.