Houston, Texas
Short-Term Rental Regulations — Harris County
Allowed (Permit Required)
STR Status
Permit: RequiredProcessing: Varies✓ Accepting new permits
Permit & Licensing
Permit RequiredYes
License Cost$275 for the Certificate of Registration
RenewalValid for 1 year; must reapply no more than 90 calendar days after expiration; the certificate is not transferable
Business License RequiredNot specified
WaitlistNot specified
Est. Processing TimeVaries
Owner Requirements
Owner Occupancy RequiredNot specified
Primary Residence RequiredNot specified
Insurance RequiredNot specified
Limits & Restrictions
Minimum Night StayMinimum 1 night — renting for a period of less than one day or night is prohibited
Parking RequiredNot specified
Taxes & Fees
Transient Occupancy Tax / TOTContact city for rates
Zoning Restrictions
- Operating without a Certificate of Registration carries fines of $100 to $500 per violation.
- The Certificate of Registration costs $275, is valid for one year, is not transferable, and must be renewed no more than 90 calendar days after it expires.
- Your Certificate of Registration number must be displayed on every listing and advertisement.
- You must observe and post the property’s maximum permitted occupancy limit.
- Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT): listings only on Airbnb do not require separate proof of HOT (Airbnb remits it); listings on any other platform require proof of HOT remittance or registration on the City’s HOT remittance platform.
- Hosts must complete a human-trafficking awareness/prevention training course and keep the certificate of completion to provide to the City on request.
Official Sources
Data confidence: 85%Last updated: June 7, 2026
Short-term rental rules in Houston, Texas
Short-term rentals (Airbnb, Vrbo) in Houston, Texas are allowed with a permit. Operators must obtain a permit.
Frequently asked questions
Are short-term rentals allowed in Houston, Texas?
Short-term rentals (including Airbnb and Vrbo) are allowed with a permit in Houston, Texas.
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Houston?
A short-term rental permit is required.
Are there stay limits for short-term rentals in Houston?
Yes — Houston sets a minimum stay of 1 night.
Where do these Houston short-term rental rules come from?
These details are verified against Houston's official short-term rental ordinance and updated when the rules change.
Always verify before you buy. Short-term-rental rules change often and may not be fully current here. Confirm directly with Houston, Harris County, or Texas authorities — and consult a qualified attorney — before purchasing property or operating an STR. This is not legal advice.