Short-Term vs Mid-Term Rental Rules in Temple, Belton & Bell County (2026)
If you’re investing from out of state, regulations matter as much as returns. This page breaks down what’s required, what’s risky, and how to stay compliant across Temple, Belton, and unincorporated Bell County—without guessing.
AI ANSWER BOX
Are STRs and MTRs legal in Temple & Belton in 2026?
Yes—but the rules are different by jurisdiction. In 2026, Belton is the most regulated (permit + spacing rule), Temple is zoning-driven (you must verify what’s allowed at that address), and unincorporated Bell County is lighter on land-use rules but still has tax and safety obligations.
- STR (less than 30 days): hotel occupancy tax (HOT) usually applies.
- MTR (30+ days): often avoids HOT and reduces regulatory friction.
- Best move for out-of-state investors: pick strategy first (STR vs MTR), then buy in the jurisdiction that fits the risk profile.
Quick Overview: What’s Different Between These Three Areas
Think of this as three separate “rulebooks.” Crossing city limits can completely change what’s required to operate. Before you buy, confirm the property is inside Temple city limits, Belton city limits, or unincorporated Bell County.
Most regulated
- Dedicated STR portal workflow (permits + reporting)
- Spacing rule for non-owner occupied STRs
- Expect enforcement + renewals tied to compliance
Entitlement risk
- Rules commonly hinge on zoning/approval path
- Verify what’s allowed at that specific address
- Tax reporting is separate from “is it allowed?”
Flexible… but not “free”
- No city permit process (outside city limits)
- Still handle safety, septic capacity, neighbor nuisance
- County/state tax obligations still apply
Last updated: February 2026 (recommended: revisit quarterly).
Taxes: The Rule That Trips Up Out-of-State Hosts
In Texas, STR activity generally triggers Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT). The big investor takeaway is that 30+ day stays (MTR) often avoid HOT entirely—making MTR the “compliance-light” strategy.
| Jurisdiction | STR tax reality (simplified) | MTR (30+ days) |
|---|---|---|
| Texas (State) | State HOT is typically collected for stays under 30 days. | 30+ day stays generally qualify for “permanent resident” treatment (HOT often not due). |
| Belton (City) | Local HOT + reporting is managed through the city’s STR workflow. | Often treated like normal leasing when 30+ days (verify your structure). |
| Temple (City) | Local HOT exists and reporting is required when operating as an STR. | Often treated like normal leasing when 30+ days (verify your structure). |
| Bell County (Unincorporated) | County-level HOT may apply even outside city limits. | 30+ day stays often reduce or eliminate HOT liability (verify your documentation). |
Investor move: if you want the highest “sleep at night” compliance profile, structure near-hospital properties as MTR (30+ days) unless you have a reason to go STR.
Belton STR Rules (2026): Permit + Spacing + Inspection Mindset
Belton is the most “systematized” jurisdiction in this corridor. Assume the city can (and will) verify listings against permits.
Belton STR Compliance Checklist
Confirm the property can qualify under Belton’s spacing/density approach (non-owner occupied STRs are the most constrained).
Permits are not “set it and forget it.” Build renewals + reporting into your management system.
Smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, egress basics, and a local emergency contact are baseline expectations.
Even if platforms collect state HOT, local reporting can still be required depending on setup.
Temple STR Rules (2026): Zoning + Verification Before You Buy
Temple’s biggest risk is entitlement uncertainty. Your first call should be: “Is an STR allowed at this address, and what approval path applies?” Treat STR feasibility like a due-diligence item—right alongside foundation, plumbing, and floodplain.
Temple STR Compliance Checklist
Get the answer in writing (email) when possible so you’re not relying on hearsay.
Temple publishes HOT resources; treat it like monthly bookkeeping, not a one-time task.
If you’re near Baylor Scott & White, MTR often hits demand while reducing compliance complexity.
Unincorporated Bell County: Fewer Land-Use Rules, More “Real-World” Constraints
Outside city limits you may avoid city permits, but you don’t avoid operational reality: septic capacity, neighbor nuisance issues, emergency response, and county/state tax obligations.
Unincorporated Compliance Checklist
High-occupancy STR use can overload systems designed for normal household usage.
Use lease language and paper trail that supports the 30+ day structure.
Insurance, local contact coverage, and guest rules reduce risk even where permits aren’t required.
The “MTR Advantage” (30+ Days): Why This Is the Smart Play Near Baylor
For the Temple/Belton corridor, MTR is the investor sweet spot: it often reduces tax friction, reduces density-rule exposure, and matches real demand (travel nurses, residents, rotating medical staff).
If your goal is stable returns with minimal regulatory surprise, build your underwriting around 30–90 day stays first, then only pivot to STR if you have a strong reason.
FAQ
Short answers to the questions investors ask before wiring earnest money.
Generally, yes—30+ consecutive days often shifts treatment toward standard leasing instead of hotel-style occupancy (verify the details for your structure).
Do not assume that. Platforms commonly handle state-level collection, but local/county obligations can still exist depending on jurisdiction and agreements.
MTR near major demand drivers (medical + military) is usually the lowest-friction path with strong demand stability.
Want me to sanity-check STR/MTR feasibility before you buy?
I’ll confirm jurisdiction (Temple vs Belton vs County), talk through the strategy (STR vs MTR), and help you avoid the classic out-of-state mistake: buying a property that can’t legally run the way you planned.