Short-term rental rules · Houston, Texas
Short-term rentals in Houston, explained properly.
Houston's first short-term rental rules took effect January 1, 2026. Every rental of less than 30 consecutive days needs an annual city certificate of registration ($275), with a 24-hour emergency contact who can respond within an hour, annual human trafficking awareness training, the registration number on every listing and no advertising as an event space. There's no owner-occupancy rule or cap. From January 1, 2027 the city will start asking platforms to remove unregistered listings. Guests pay 17% hotel occupancy tax.
At a glance
What you need to know before you buy or list
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Registration required? | Yes. It's unlawful to operate, rent or advertise a short-term rental (less than 30 consecutive days) inside city limits without a valid certificate of registration. Rules took effect January 1, 2026[1][2] |
| Fee and renewal | $275 a year per property; certificates last one year and renewal applications are due 90 days before expiration[1][3] |
| Operating requirements | A 24-hour emergency contact who can respond within one hour, posted at the property; the certificate posted at the front entrance; the registration number on all listings; annual human trafficking awareness training; no advertising as an event space; a one-night minimum stay[1] |
| Platform enforcement | Platforms must require the registration number on listings and remove listings without a valid certificate within 10 business days of notice. The city says it will begin notifying platforms to remove unregistered listings on January 1, 2027[1][2] |
| Denial and revocation | Certificates can be denied or revoked for false or incomplete applications, unpaid hotel taxes, two or more nuisance or code violations at the property within 12 months, or certain felony convictions (including trafficking, assault and prostitution)[1] |
| Penalties | $100 to $500 for each violation[1] |
| Taxes | 17% hotel occupancy tax: 6% state, 7% City of Houston, 2% Harris County and 2% Harris County–Houston Sports Authority. Listings only on Airbnb don't need proof of hotel tax remittance to register; other listings do[4][5][2] |
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Detailed rules
The full picture, section by section
Changes
Recent and pending changes
We read the city's STR page in a browser, the adopted ordinance (Chapter 28, Article XXIII) and the April 2025 press release. Watch for the January 1, 2027 start of platform delisting notices and any council amendments.
City Council approved the ordinance April 16, 2025; applications opened August 1, 2025 and the rules took effect January 1, 2026.
From January 1, 2027 the city will notify platforms to remove listings without a certificate of registration.
Sources
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This page is general information compiled from public sources, not legal or tax advice. HOA rules, deed restrictions and zoning for a specific property can be stricter. Confirm with the local permitting office and a qualified professional before buying or listing a property.