Houston Short-Term Rental Regulations

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Permit & Licensing

Certificate of Registration

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

Online registration only; must complete within one hour (cannot save and return). Registration deadline was January 1, 2026.

Tax Obligations

Combined rate: 13% of gross rental income.

Collection: Airbnb auto-remits; other platforms require either proof of HOT remittance or registration on HOT remittance platform

Filing: Monthly by 20th of following month, or quarterly by 20th of month following quarter end if qualified; file via Texas Comptroller Webfile

Rental Limits

Houston does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent.

Zoning & Restrictions

Check with local government

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Houston does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

• 24-hour emergency contact required
• Human trafficking awareness training required
• Permit number must be included in listing platform registrations

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Fine of $100–$500 per violation; each day of violation constitutes a separate violation. Certificate of registration may also be revoked.

Platform Requirements

• Platforms must delist non-registered properties
• Enforcement on advertising platforms delayed until January 1, 2027.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Houston:

1. Meet safety requirements. 24-hour emergency contact required. Human trafficking awareness training required. Permit number must be included in listing platform registrations.
2. Apply for Certificate of Registration. Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
3. Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
4. Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
5. Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Houston?

Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Houston requires a Certificate of Registration.

Does Houston require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?

No. Houston allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.

How many days a year can you short-term rent in Houston?

Houston does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.

What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Houston?

Short-term rental stays in Houston are subject to a combined 13% in lodging taxes. This combines 6% Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax + 7% City of Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.

What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Houston?

Operating without a permit can cost up to $500.