Yes, with conditions. As of October 2026, a Dallas ADU approved through an overlay or special exception can be rented, but the owner must live in either the main house or the ADU, and that requirement is recorded as a deed restriction. Rules differ in the suburbs, and HOA covenants can add limits.
Why can Dallas ADUs be rented at all?
Before the 2018 changes, Dallas allowed some secondary units but not rental of them; owners had deed-restricted their property against renting the second unit. The 2018 rules changed the deed restriction to an owner-occupancy requirement, so one of the two homes can be rented while the owner lives in the other.
Which unit can I rent?
Either one. You can live in the main house and rent the ADU, or move into the ADU and rent the main house, as long as you live in one of them.
What about the suburbs?
- Plano: as adopted in 2019, the owner must live in one of the two units; the cottage cannot be sold separately.
- Garland: published code summaries describe a ban on renting the ADU separately.
- Richardson: servants' quarters cannot be rented, as we read the code.
- Irving: depends on the zoning district.
What other rules should I check before renting?
- Rental registration. Dallas runs a rental registration program; check whether your unit must be registered.
- HOA covenants. Some limit leasing or require minimum lease terms.
- Short-term rentals. These carry separate city rules and taxes; confirm them before listing.
- Insurance and lending. Tell your insurer and lender about a rental unit.
Treat this as general information, not legal or tax advice.
Sources, as of October 2026:
- D Magazine, reporting on the Dallas ADU ordinance (2018).
- City of Dallas Planning and Development, Accessory Dwelling Units page.
- Published summaries of the Plano Zoning Ordinance (Section 15.1800), Garland Development Code (Section 2.58) and Richardson Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance.