Short-Term Rentals in Killeen, TX

Every city handles short-term rentals a little differently. In Killeen, 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.

Noise Rules

Suspected noise and disorderly conduct by short term rental guests in Killeen must be reported to the police department, not city code enforcement, under Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-960(a). Hosts must also hand guests written noise and amplified sound restrictions under Sec. 31-955(e)(3), and three or more confirmed nuisance citations can get the rental's permit revoked under Sec. 31-956(b)(4).

Key details: Noise/disorderly conduct complaints: Reported to police, Sec. 31-960(a). Host rules must cover: Noise and amplified sound restrictions. Local responsible party response time: On site within 60 minutes. Revocation trigger: 3+ confirmed nuisance citations. Reapplication bar after revocation: One year.

Police respond directly to noise and disorderly conduct complaints at short term rentals under Sec. 31-960(a), which can lead to criminal charges against guests independent of any city permit action. On the permit side, three or more confirmed nuisance citations trigger revocation under Sec. 31-956(b)(4), with a one-year bar on reapplying under (d). Underlying zoning-code violations tied to the rental are punishable under the general penalty, Sec. 1-8, up to $2,000 per day.

Taxes & Fees

Every short term rental host in Killeen must collect and remit the city's hotel occupancy tax under section 31-959, which sets the rate by cross-reference to section 27-72: seven percent of what the guest pays, on top of any state tax. Staying current on that tax is a condition of keeping the STR permit valid; falling behind is grounds for the city to deny or revoke it outright.

Key details: Tax rate: 7 percent of guest's paid consideration. Governing sections: Sec. 31-959; Sec. 27-72, 27-74, 27-76. Exemption: Permanent residents staying 30+ consecutive days. Report deadline: Last day of month following collection month. Late penalty: 5% plus 5% after 30 days, 12% interest.

Section 31-959 makes failing to collect the tax, failing to file the section 27-74 report, failing to remit on time, or filing a false report a misdemeanor, punished under section 27-76. That section adds financial teeth on top of the criminal charge: a 5 percent penalty for late payment, another 5 percent if the tax is still unpaid after thirty days, and interest at 12 percent per year starting sixty days after the due date. Unpaid hotel tax is also independent grounds for the city to revoke the STR permit itself under section 31-956(b)(5).

Short-Term Rental Permits

Every short-term rental in Killeen must hold a valid registration permit before it can be rented, leased, or even advertised. The city requires annual renewal, a paid inspection, and $500,000 in liability insurance. Operating without a permit is unlawful.

Key details: Permit: Required before renting or advertising. Insurance: $500,000 liability minimum. Fee: $200 first year, $100 renewal. Renewal: Annual; non-transferable permit. Administered by: Planning and Development Department.

Renting, leasing, advertising, or offering an unpermitted short-term rental is unlawful under Sec. 31-953 and draws code-enforcement citations and fines for operating without a license; a lapsed annual renewal voids the permit.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Killeen actively enforces its short-term rental permits requirements.

Short-Term Rental Parking Rules

Killeen's life safety inspection for short term rental permits checks for 'no parking on unimproved surfaces' under Code of Ordinances Sec. 31-955(a)(1). Parking complaints at a registered rental go to the code enforcement division under Sec. 31-960(b), and hosts must tell guests about parking restrictions in writing under Sec. 31-955(e)(3).

Key details: Parking on unimproved surfaces: Banned, checked at inspection. Parking complaints routed to: City code enforcement division. Host rules must disclose: Parking restrictions to guests. Revocation trigger: 3+ confirmed nuisance citations. Reapplication bar after revocation: One year.

A short term rental that fails its inspection over unimproved-surface parking faces a re-inspection fee and a delayed permit under Sec. 31-955. Ongoing parking violations reported to code enforcement can be cited under the general penalty, Sec. 1-8, up to $2,000 per day since short term rental registration sits within the zoning chapter. Three or more confirmed citations lets the city revoke the permit entirely under Sec. 31-956(b)(4), with a one-year bar on reapplying.

Occupancy Limits

Killeen 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.

If you are coming from a city with tighter rules, you will find Killeen gives residents more flexibility on occupancy limits.

The Bottom Line

Killeen'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 Killeen is broadly strict or permissive.

This guide is based on Killeen's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.