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 6 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.

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.

Key details: Off-Street: Check city requirements. Street Limit: Per city code (no state law). HOA: May have restrictions. Topic: Parking Rules.

Parking plan non-compliance may affect permit renewal. Street parking violations per city code.

Occupancy Limits

College Station limits the number of guests allowed in short-term rental properties. Occupancy caps are typically based on bedroom count or square footage to protect neighborhood quality of life.

Key details: Typical Limit: 2 per bedroom + 2. Listing: Must state max occupancy. Enforcement: Complaint-driven. Penalty: Permit revocation possible.

First offense: warning. Repeated overcrowding: fines of $250 to $1,000. Permit suspension or revocation for chronic violations.

Insurance Requirements

College Station may require hosts to carry liability insurance for short-term rental properties. Minimum coverage amounts vary by jurisdiction.

Key details: Coverage: $500K to $1M typical. Homeowner Policy: May not cover STR. Platform Insurance: May not satisfy local rules. Proof: May be required at renewal.

Operating without required insurance may result in permit denial or revocation. Hosts may face personal liability for uninsured claims.

Noise Rules

College Station STRs must comply with general noise ordinance. Many cities impose stricter quiet hours for rentals. Complaints can trigger permit review.

Key details: Quiet Hours: Per city noise ordinance. Parties: Prohibited at most STRs. Response: Host must respond promptly. Topic: Noise Rules.

Noise violation: $200 to $1,000. Multiple complaints: permit review/revocation. Host responsible for guest behavior.

Permit Requirements

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.

Taxes & Fees

Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax is 6%. College Station levies additional local HOT. Platforms auto-collect both. Total rates typically 11 to 15%.

Key details: State HOT: 6%. City HOT: Varies by city. Platforms: Auto-collect. Filing: Quarterly.

Non-remittance: 5 to 10% penalty + interest. TX Comptroller audit. Tax evasion: Class A misdemeanor.

The Bottom Line

College Station's short-term rentals rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming College Station is broadly strict or permissive.

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.