Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Kemah, TX

Airbnb listings are allowed in Kemah, TX, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals (any privately owned dwelling rented for less than 30 consecutive days) are regulated by the City; certain uses (hotels, motels, RV parks, institutional housing, government-owned housing) are exempt. Maximum occupancy: two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons; operators must post operator/local contact, parking locations, occupancy limits, guest rules, and garbage instructions; operators must collect and remit the City 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax and comply with health/safety standards and inspections. Applications may be denied for HOA/deed restrictions or recent permit suspensions. 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 (any privately owned dwelling rented for less than 30 consecutive days) are regulated by the City; certain uses (hotels, motels, RV parks, institutional housing, government-owned housing) are exempt. Maximum occupancy: two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons; operators must post operator/local contact, parking locations, occupancy limits, guest rules, and garbage instructions; operators must collect and remit the City 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax and comply with health/safety standards and inspections. Applications may be denied for HOA/deed restrictions or recent permit suspensions.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Kemah. 1) Complete and submit the City of Kemah Short-Term Rental Permit application by mail, email (galfaro@kemahtx.gov), or in person with required documents: proof of ownership, HOT account number, floor/site plans, and the $450 fee. 2) The City performs an on-site inspection within 30 days to confirm health, safety, and occupancy standards. 3) Upon passing, a permit is issued (valid until Dec 31); operators must then collect and remit the 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax.

1) Complete and submit the City of Kemah Short-Term Rental Permit application by mail, email (galfaro@kemahtx.gov), or in person with required documents: proof of ownership, HOT account number, floor/site plans, and the $450 fee. 2) The City performs an on-site inspection within 30 days to confirm health, safety, and occupancy standards. 3) Upon passing, a permit is issued (valid until Dec 31); operators must then collect and remit the 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax.

Vrbo is permitted in Kemah, 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 Kemah 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 Kemah. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.