Dallas, Texas – In a significant legal battle inside a Dallas County courtroom, the future of short-term rentals (STRs) in the City of Dallas is at stake, with a decision expected before the enforcement of new regulations begins in December.
Judge Monica Purdy is presiding over a case that challenges new rules regarding STRs, such as Airbnb and Vrbo, in Dallas. In June, the Dallas City Council approved changes to zoning rules that effectively ban STRs from operating in single-family neighborhoods. This decision was a response to persistent complaints from homeowners about issues linked to some STRs, including gun violence, trash, and other quality of life concerns.
David Coale, representing the plaintiffs who are short-term rental owners, is fighting for a temporary injunction against these new rules. “We argue that STR is a vested, fundamental right of a part of homeownership in Texas as the Supreme Court has defined that,” Coale stated. He contends that the law is overly broad and unfairly targets the majority for the actions of a few problematic operators.
Lisa Sievers, an owner of two STRs in East Dallas, echoed this sentiment in her court testimony. She highlighted that a large majority of STR operators have no complaints against them and argued that lawful operators are being unfairly penalized. “All of a sudden, we get banned. 94 percent of us are banned out of existence, leaving 48 short-term rentals. That’s not fair,” she said.
Homeowners’ Concerns and the City’s Stance
However, Dallas homeowners like Dolores Serroka have a different view. Serroka, part of the Dallas Neighborhood Coalition, which promotes the catchphrase “Homes Not Hotels,” shared her negative experiences with STRs in her area, including issues with theft and disturbances. She and others in the coalition support the new regulations, believing STRs have become uncontrollable.
City officials estimate that over 5,000 STRs operate in Dallas. The complaints center around the transient nature of guests in residential neighborhoods, leading to a sense of uncertainty and disruption in communities.
The city attorney’s office has declined to comment on the ongoing case due to its pending status. The decision from Judge Purdy is highly anticipated and will be pivotal in shaping the landscape of short-term rentals in Dallas. The ruling, expected before Dec. 13, will determine the enforcement of the new ordinance and the future viability of STRs in the city.
