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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Houston, TX

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Operation requires a valid Certificate of Registration and a minimum stay of one night. Public listings must display the registration number and maximum occupancy; hosts must provide a 24/7 emergency contact capable of responding within one hour and complete human trafficking awareness training.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Submit an online application via the Host Compliance portal including owner ID, proof of ownership, and 24/7 contact info. 2. Complete the required human trafficking awareness training. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee ($275.00 plus administrative fees) and ensure HOT registration is active.

Regulatory Updates — Houston

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedNovember 2023

STR Registration Ordinance Enacted

Houston enacted a short-term rental registration ordinance requiring all operators to register with the city and obtain a permit. Registration requires a local contact person, proof of liability insurance, and compliance with occupancy and noise rules. Unlicensed operation carries daily fines.

PassedAugust 2024

Party House Enforcement Crackdown

The Houston Police Department and code enforcement increased response to noise complaints and nuisance activity at registered and unregistered vacation rental properties. Properties with multiple verified complaints within a year face permit revocation.

FailedMay 2025

Texas Legislature Rejects STR Preemption Bill

A Texas House bill that would have preempted Houston and other cities from imposing STR registration requirements or density restrictions failed to advance in the 2025 legislative session, preserving municipal authority over vacation rental regulation.

Official Resources

Official Houston STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Texas Vacation Rental AllianceStatewide

Statewide advocacy group representing Texas STR operators and property managers. Monitors Houston ordinance changes and lobbies the Texas legislature for state-level preemption protections.

Houston Association of REALTORS®Local

Tracks Houston zoning and land-use regulations affecting short-term rental property investments. Engages with city council on STR ordinance developments.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy resources and compliance guidance for vacation rental managers in Texas markets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Airbnbs legal in Houston, TX?
Airbnb listings are allowed in Houston, TX, but with restrictions. Operation requires a valid Certificate of Registration and a minimum stay of one night. Public listings must display the registration number and maximum occupancy; hosts must provide a 24/7 emergency contact capable of responding within one hour and complete human trafficking awareness training. 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.
Are short-term rentals allowed in Houston, TX?
Operation requires a valid Certificate of Registration and a minimum stay of one night. Public listings must display the registration number and maximum occupancy; hosts must provide a 24/7 emergency contact capable of responding within one hour and complete human trafficking awareness training.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Houston?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Houston. 1. Submit an online application via the Host Compliance portal including owner ID, proof of ownership, and 24/7 contact info. 2. Complete the required human trafficking awareness training. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee ($275.00 plus administrative fees) and ensure HOT registration is active.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Houston?
1. Submit an online application via the Host Compliance portal including owner ID, proof of ownership, and 24/7 contact info. 2. Complete the required human trafficking awareness training. 3. Pay the non-refundable application fee ($275.00 plus administrative fees) and ensure HOT registration is active.
Is Vrbo legal in Houston, TX?
Vrbo is permitted in Houston, 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.
What taxes do short-term rental hosts pay in Houston?
Short-term rental hosts in Houston 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.
What is the latest short-term rental ordinance change in Houston?
The most recent tracked change in Houston is "STR Registration Ordinance Enacted" (2023-11-01, status: passed). Houston enacted a short-term rental registration ordinance requiring all operators to register with the city and obtain a permit. Registration requires a local contact person, proof of liability insurance, and compliance with occupancy and noise rules. Unlicensed operation carries daily fines. See the regulatory updates section on this page for the full history.
Does Houston require a permit to operate a short-term rental?
Yes. Houston's STR registration ordinance requires all vacation rental operators to register with the city, designate a local contact person available 24/7, carry liability insurance, and comply with occupancy and noise standards. The registration number must be displayed in online listings. Unregistered operation carries daily fines. Operators should also collect and remit Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and Harris County lodging taxes.
What taxes apply to Houston short-term rental income?
Operators must collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%), City of Houston hotel occupancy tax (7%), and Harris County hotel occupancy tax (2%), bringing the total occupancy tax rate to approximately 15% on gross rental receipts. Major platforms including Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit state and most local occupancy taxes on behalf of hosts in Houston, but operators should verify all applicable taxes are being covered.
Are there areas of Houston where short-term rentals are prohibited?
Houston's zoning structure is unusual — it is one of the few major US cities without traditional Euclidean zoning. This means Houston lacks the residential zone designations that other cities use to restrict STRs to specific areas. However, deed restrictions in Houston's many deed-restricted neighborhoods (which function like private zoning) may prohibit commercial activity including short-term rentals. Operators should review their property's deed restrictions before listing.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: 2026-05-14 · Suggest a correction