Fort Worth officials are encouraging local residents to participate in an online survey regarding short-term rentals to help guide policy-making decisions, according to a Dec. 26 city news release.

The survey will be available through Jan. 24, said Kevin Neal, Fort Worth’s media and public affairs coordinator, in an email.

Short-term rentals are homes or rooms most often used by travelers for fewer than 30 days, according to the news release.

Officials estimate there are about 1,100 short-term rentals in Fort Worth, according to a Sept. 13 city news release. They generate about $15 million in annual gross revenue.

“If all of these properties paid hotel occupancy taxes, the city would net between $1 million and $1.5 million yearly,” the news release said.


But the city officials are wary of the effect these rentals are having on neighborhoods.

Short-term rentals are currently allowed in all mixed-use, form-based, commercial and industrial zoning districts, Planning and Development Director Randle Harwood said at a Sept. 10 City Council work session.

“So, essentially everywhere but residential, we allow short-term rentals,” Harwood said.

The city began tracking violations specifically related to short-term rentals in June, reporting about 11 violations from June 14 to Sept. 10, according to Harwood’s presentation to City Council. Complaints received by the city’s code compliance officers typically relate to noise, parking and disturbances caused by too many people or a party.


Ultimately, City Council requested staff to gather more data about how to best regulate these rentals at the work session. This includes public engagement activities such as the online survey.

An update is expected to follow in January, and any determined zoning changes would take place in February or March.

Residents can participate in the survey here.