College Station's Short-Term Rentals: The Rules That Matter
Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In College Station, Texas, there are 5 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.
Short-Term Rental Parking Rules
College Station may require designated parking for STR guests. Parking plan may be part of STR permit. No statewide parking time limit in Texas.
If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find College Station gives residents more flexibility on short-term rental parking rules.
Insurance Requirements
College Station may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.
College Station is more permissive than most cities when it comes to insurance requirements. That said, there are still limits.
Noise Rules
College Station STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Many cities impose stricter quiet hours for rentals. Complaints can trigger permit review.
College Station is more permissive than most cities when it comes to noise rules. That said, there are still limits.
Occupancy Limits
Texas Property Code Section 92.010 sets the occupancy ceiling that governs College Station short-term rentals: a landlord may allow at most three times the number of bedrooms in adult occupants. The statute defines a bedroom as an area of a dwelling intended as sleeping quarters, and it permits more adults only in narrow circumstances.
Key details: Adult occupancy cap: Three times the number of bedrooms. Bedroom: Area of a dwelling intended as sleeping quarters. Family violence exception: Does not exceed one month. Listing duty: Must accurately state maximum occupancy.
The host bears responsibility when guests exceed the limit. Violations can result in fines and potential revocation of the short-term rental permit in College Station.
College Station is more permissive than most cities when it comes to occupancy limits. That said, there are still limits.
Short-Term Rental Permits
College Station regulates short-term rentals with registration requirements. High demand during Texas A&M football weekends, graduation, and university events drives significant STR activity in neighborhoods near campus.
Key details: Registration: City required. Tax: TX 6% + local HOT. Peak: Football weekends. Occupancy: Limited by code.
Operating without permit/registration: varies by city ($200 to $1,000/day). Safety violations: correction notice.
College Station is more permissive than most cities when it comes to short-term rental permits. That said, there are still limits.
The Bottom Line
Compared to many U.S. cities, College Station gives residents more room on short-term rentals. 5 of the 5 rules here are rated permissive. But permissive does not mean unregulated. There are still requirements, and the city does enforce them when violations are reported.
Keep in mind that College Station can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.