Houston Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Certificate of Registration (Contact city) |
| Primary Residence | Not required |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit — 30 days or fewer per stay |
| Tax Rate | 13% |
| Max Penalty | $500 per violation |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
Certificate of Registration
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | Contact city |
| Renewal | Contact city / 1 year |
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
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax | 6% | Texas Comptroller |
| City of Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax | 7% | Houston First Corporation |
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. Each individual stay must be 30 days or fewer per stay.
Zoning & Restrictions
Check with local government
Insurance & Safety
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:
- Meet safety requirements. 24-hour emergency contact required. Human trafficking awareness training required. Permit number must be included in listing platform registrations.
- Apply for Certificate of Registration. Submit application. Contact city for fee details.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Collect and remit taxes. 13% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.
Official Sources
- ARA - Business Licensing - Short Term Rentals | City of Houston
- Newly Adopted Short-Term Rental Ordinance Effective January 1, 2026 | Houston Permitting Center
- Article XXIII - Short-Term Rentals | Code of Ordinances | Houston, TX
- Hotel Occupancy Tax E-Service Center | Houston First Corporation
- Hotel Occupancy Tax - Texas Comptroller