Short-Term Rental Rules in Houston, TX (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term rentals in Houston are allowed, but hosts must register with the city and comply with various regulations and fees. The registration portal will be available beginning August 1, 2025, and hosts must be compliant by January 1, 2026, or face penalties [3].
Do you need a permit or license?
Yes, hosts need to register their short-term rental properties with the city and obtain a certificate of registration [3]. The registration fee is $275 per rental property per year [3]. Registrants must also display a city-issued registration number on all listings and a 24-hour emergency contact number [2][3].
Taxes
Hosts must remit a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) unless all listings are through Airbnb, which automatically remits taxes [4]. If listings are on other platforms like Vrbo, hosts must provide proof of HOT payment or registration [4].
Limits and restrictions
Registrations are valid until December 31, 2027 [2]. STRs cannot advertise as event spaces and must provide human trafficking awareness training proof [3]. Starting January 1, 2027, the city will work with platforms to remove non-compliant listings [2].
Penalties
Operating without a certificate after January 1, 2026, can incur fines of $100 to $500 per day [3]. The city can revoke registrations for non-compliance or excessive violations [3].
How to apply
Applications can be submitted online starting August 1, 2025, with no functionality to save progress; it must be completed in one session [3]. Required documents include personal identification details, property address, emergency contact, and proof of HOT if applicable [2].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee | $275 per rental property per year [3]. |
| Registration Period | Certificates valid until December 31, 2027 [2]. |
| Hotel Occupancy Tax | Collected by Airbnb; proof required for other platforms [4]. |
| Effective Enforcement | Compliance required by January 1, 2026, to avoid penalties [3]. |
| Certification Removal | Can be revoked for non-compliance or nuisance violations [3]. |
FAQ
How long is the registration valid for?
All STR registrations are valid until December 31, 2027 [2].
What happens if a host does not register by the deadline?
Operating without a certificate after January 1, 2026, can result in fines of $100 to $500 per day [3].
Can STRs advertise as event spaces?
No, the ordinance prohibits STRs from advertising as event spaces [3].
Running a rental in Houston
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- ARA - Business Licensing (official)
- ARA - Business Licensing - Short Term Rentals (official)
- ARA - Press and News - Houston City Council Approves Short-Term Rental Regulations (official)
- ARA - Business Licensing - Short Term Rentals (official)
Last checked: October 16, 2026. This page summarizes rules the city, county or state has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the city before you list a property.