Introduction
Houston is the heartbeat of Texas hospitality, it is a city known for its booming economy, world-class attractions, and vibrant mix of neighborhoods. From the Museum District to Midtown’s nightlife and the calm streets of The Heights, the demand for short-term rentals (STRs) keeps rising.
Houston spans multiple counties. While most of the city lies in Harris County, parts also stretch into Fort Bend and Montgomery counties. Because of this overlap, taxes and rules for Airbnb rentals can differ depending on where your property is located. This complexity makes Houston’s vacation rental laws broad and sometimes difficult to follow.
We’ve simplified the short-term rental laws for you below, outlining the key requirements, taxes, and steps to help you stay compliant wherever your rental is in Houston.
Length of stay
Short-term rentals in Houston are fully legal under the city’s new registration-based framework, adopted on April 16, 2025. Registration for hosts begins October 1, 2025, with enforcement set to start January 1, 2026. Under Houston’s short-term rental regulations, the maximum allowable stay for guests is 29 consecutive days, while the minimum stay requirement is one night. This definition aligns with how Houston distinguishes short-term rentals from traditional long-term housing.
Types of eligible properties
Under Houston’s short-term rental regulations, eligible properties include single-family homes, duplexes, apartments, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). These property types can legally operate as Airbnb or vacation rentals once properly registered with the city. However, hotels, boarding houses, and government lease-back housing are not permitted to be used as short-term rentals in Houston.
Occupancy taxes and fees
All short-term rental (STR) operators in Houston and Harris County are required to collect and remit Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) at the state, city, and county levels.
The total HOT rate within the City of Houston is 17%, broken down as:
- 6% State HOT
- 7% City of Houston HOT
- 2% Harris County HOT
- 2% Harris County Sports Authority HOT
Harris County HOT rates vary depending on the property location:
- Incorporated areas (within a city jurisdiction): 4% total (2% Harris County + 2% Houston Sports Authority)
- Unincorporated areas (outside a city jurisdiction): 9% total (7% Harris County + 2% Houston Sports Authority)
Reporting and payment schedule: STR hosts must file HOT reports and payments quarterly, postmarked or received by the last day of the month following each quarter:
- 1st Quarter (Jan 1 – Mar 31): due by April 30
- 2nd Quarter (Apr 1 – Jun 30): due by July 31
- 3rd Quarter (Jul 1 – Sep 30): due by October 31
- 4th Quarter (Oct 1 – Dec 31): due by January 31
HOT registration is required for all STR operators:
- Houston First HOT registration: complete the online form here and keep a screenshot as proof.
- Harris County HOT registration: register here.
- Texas State HOT registration: file and remit via the Texas Comptroller.
In Fort Bend County, where parts of Houston extend, short-term rentals inside city limits are subject to a 2% county HOT, while rentals located outside city limits are charged a 7% county HOT in addition to the 6% state rate. Payments are due monthly, and penalties apply for late filings.
For Montgomery County, most areas do not impose a general county-wide HOT, but specific improvement districts, such as the East Montgomery County Improvement District (EMCID), are authorized to levy their own occupancy taxes. Hosts operating within these special districts should confirm applicable rates with local authorities before remitting taxes.
Online travel agencies like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the state and city portions of the HOT on behalf of hosts, but property owners are responsible for ensuring that any remaining county or district taxes are paid directly. HOT filings are typically due by the 20th of the following month for monthly filers or quarterly for smaller operators.
Noise Regulation
All vacation rental properties in Houston must comply with Chapter 30 of the Houston Noise Ordinance. This includes controlling noisy animals, birds, vehicles, and amplified sounds from music, equipment, or gatherings.
Under the city’s regulations, noise levels must not exceed:
- 65 decibels (dB[A]) during daytime hours
- 58 decibels (dB[A]) at night
Hosts are responsible for ensuring all guests adhere to these sound limits and avoid disruptive behavior.
Be aware that two verified noise violations within 36 months can result in the revocation of your STR registration and possible enforcement action by the City of Houston.
To stay compliant, monitor guest activity, post quiet hours, and remind guests to respect neighbors and local noise laws.
Building and health regulations
Houston requires every short-term rental property to meet basic life-safety standards to protect guests. Before applying, make sure your property includes:
- Smoke alarms installed in every bedroom and hallway.
- Carbon monoxide detectors (especially for properties with gas appliances or attached garages).
- Fire extinguisher(s) placed in accessible areas, such as the kitchen or hallway.
- Emergency exit routes clearly marked and free from obstruction.
- First-aid kit stocked and accessible to guests.
- Visible address numbers on the exterior for emergency responders.
- Functional locks and secure windows for guest safety.
- Clean and sanitary conditions that comply with local building and health codes.
Zoning regulations
Short-term rentals (STRs) are allowed in all zoning districts across Houston. The city currently has no zoning restrictions that prohibit STR operations, which means both hosted and un-hosted rentals are permitted in single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes city-wide. There is also no residency requirement for hosts, you don’t have to live on the property to operate a legal short-term rental and there are no limits on the number of short-term rentals a single host can own or operate in Houston, but each unit requires its own registration. However, some multifamily properties (such as apartments and condos) may face limitations under the Texas Multiple Dwelling Law or private lease and HOA agreements.
Licenses and permits required
Every short-term rental operator in Houston must obtain a City-issued STR registration certificate to legally operate. Beginning January 1, 2026, it will be illegal to host or list a short-term rental without an approved registration. Registration opens October 1, 2025 via the City’s STR portal on the ARA website: https://www.houstontx.gov/ara/str.html
Each STR unit requires a separate registration. The annual fee is $275 per unit, plus a $33.10 city administrative fee for each registration application.
Registration and Licensing fees
Below is a complete list of the information, documents, and safety measures you need before applying. 1. Registrant Information: Full name, address, email address, phone number, and a valid driver’s license (front and back). STR properties are linked to your email address during registration. If you change your email, you’ll lose access to old records and must re-register. 2. Property Information: Full street address, city, state, and ZIP code including the name, address, email, and phone number of every property owner and operator. 3. Business Entity (if applicable), If your STR is owned under a company (LLC, LP, LLP, etc.): a. Provide a copy of the entity filing from the Texas Secretary of State. b. Upload proof of good standing from the Texas Comptroller’s Franchise Tax Account Status page. 4. Emergency Contact (24/7): You must provide a local contact person available 24/7 who can respond to emergencies within one hour. This contact’s information must be posted clearly inside the rental property. 5. Hosting Platforms: List all platforms where your property is listed (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com), including direct website links or listing URLs if available. 6. Owner Authorization Form: A signed authorization and acknowledgment form from the property owner is required. This confirms that the property is legally eligible for STR use and does not violate HOA rules, lease agreements, or deed restrictions. Any change in ownership requires a new registration. 7. Proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT): Before registration, you must show proof of HOT payment; a. If you use Airbnb or Vrbo, upload a booking statement showing HOT payment deductions. b. If you use other platforms or book directly, provide a receipt or service confirmation showing HOT remittance. Additionally, you are required to register with the county and state in order to remit taxes. 8. Human Trafficking Prevention Training: Complete the required online training and upload your certificate of completion. 9. Business Entity Documentation Requirements: If your short-term rental (STR) property in Houston is owned by a business entity rather than an individual, such as a Corporation, LLC, LP, or LLP. You must upload specific business documents during the STR registration process. Required documents include: A copy of the business formation documents filed with the Texas Secretary of State, such as the Articles of Organization (for LLCs) or Certificate of Formation (for corporations or partnerships). Proof of good standing from the Texas Comptroller’s Office, now referred to as the entity’s Franchise Tax Account Status -https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/franchise/account-status/search. 10. Registration Fee: A Non-refundable annual fee of $275 per STR unit, plus $33.10 administrative fee per application is required.
Property inspection laws
Houston’s short-term rental registration process does not include a property inspection. However, hosts are still expected to maintain basic fire and building safety compliance, including working smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, and safe property conditions.
Event hosting
All Houston short-term rental listings must clearly display their City-issued STR registration number, and advertising parties or events is strictly prohibited.
Advertising requirements
All short-term rental listings and advertisements in Houston must include the City-issued Certificate of Registration number and clearly state the maximum occupancy limit of the property.
Hosts are strictly prohibited from promoting the property for events or parties, including weddings, receptions, reunions, bachelor or bachelorette parties, concerts, or any similar gatherings.
Failure to follow these advertising rules may result in fines or suspension of your STR registration, so ensure every online listing, whether on Airbnb, Vrbo, or other platforms meets city requirements.
Parking requirements
Guest parking rules for short-term rentals in Houston may vary by location. The City may impose parking limits or requirements based on neighborhood conditions, street congestion, or safety concerns.
Neighbor notifications
Neighbor notifications are not required in Houston, but notifying HOAs or neighbors is encouraged.To maintain neighborhood peace, remind guests to keep noise to a minimum, especially during nighttime hours as neighbors can report short-term rental noise or nuisance complaints anytime by calling 713-636-5365. Following these noise control rules helps protect your STR license and maintain positive community relations.
Emergency contact information
All Houston short-term rental properties must display the name and phone number of an emergency contact person or call center in a visible location inside the rental.
The designated emergency contact must:
- Be authorized to respond to emergency situations within one hour of notification by emergency responders or the City’s director.
- Have the authority to make decisions regarding the property and its occupants.
- Take reasonable actions to resolve emergency conditions to the extent possible.
Having a reliable emergency contact ensures prompt response to issues, helps protect guests, and keeps your STR compliant with Houston regulations.
Waste disposal regulations
All short-term rental hosts in Houston must manage garbage, junk, solid waste, and yard debris responsibly to maintain neighborhood cleanliness and compliance with city regulations.
Place all trash and recycling neatly in designated containers and follow the official City of Houston collection schedule for pickup. Do not leave bags or loose items outside bins.
For tires, tree trimmings, or large waste items, ensure proper storage, transport, and disposal through approved city collection services or authorized facilities.
Maintaining clean and orderly waste areas helps hosts avoid violations, protect property ratings, and promote a positive experience for guests and neighbors.
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