Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Harker Heights, TX

Airbnb listings are allowed in Harker Heights, TX, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals and bed & breakfasts are permitted only if registered under City Code Chapter 127; a minimum 500-foot separation between STRs applies; one off-street parking space per bedroom is required; occupancy limits include no more than three persons over age 18 per bedroom, and up to six unrelated individuals total; meal service is prohibited; outdoor gatherings limited to 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. and no more than 20 persons; specific fire and life-safety items (interconnected smoke alarms, CO detectors, GFCIs, exit ladders, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit) are required. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals and bed & breakfasts are permitted only if registered under City Code Chapter 127; a minimum 500-foot separation between STRs applies; one off-street parking space per bedroom is required; occupancy limits include no more than three persons over age 18 per bedroom, and up to six unrelated individuals total; meal service is prohibited; outdoor gatherings limited to 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. and no more than 20 persons; specific fire and life-safety items (interconnected smoke alarms, CO detectors, GFCIs, exit ladders, fire extinguishers, first-aid kit) are required.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Harker Heights. 1) Obtain and submit the STR registration form from the Director (Planning & Development), providing owner/operator info, local 24-hour contact, site plan (showing parking – one off-street space per bedroom), number of bedrooms and occupancy limits, and proof of ownership/DBA/LLC filings as required; 2) Schedule and pass a life-safety on-site inspection by the City Building Official and Fire Marshal (walk-through required before approval; reinspection fees may apply if failed); 3) Pay applicable permit/permit-fee per the city's fee schedule; previously existing STRs must provide a sworn affidavit and proof of remitted state and local hotel occupancy taxes for the 12 months preceding the ordinance effective date and apply for an exemption within 60 days, paying applicable fees.

1) Obtain and submit the STR registration form from the Director (Planning & Development), providing owner/operator info, local 24-hour contact, site plan (showing parking – one off-street space per bedroom), number of bedrooms and occupancy limits, and proof of ownership/DBA/LLC filings as required; 2) Schedule and pass a life-safety on-site inspection by the City Building Official and Fire Marshal (walk-through required before approval; reinspection fees may apply if failed); 3) Pay applicable permit/permit-fee per the city's fee schedule; previously existing STRs must provide a sworn affidavit and proof of remitted state and local hotel occupancy taxes for the 12 months preceding the ordinance effective date and apply for an exemption within 60 days, paying applicable fees.

Vrbo is permitted in Harker Heights, TX under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Harker Heights are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Harker Heights. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.