Registration Rules: Bellaire vs Houston
How do registration rules rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Houston, TX?
Bellaire, TX
Harris County
No data available yet for Bellaire.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston Ordinance 2025-322, codified at Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 Article XXIII, requires every short-term rental in city limits to obtain an annual certificate of registration from the Administration & Regulatory Affairs (ARA) Department. The ordinance was adopted April 16, 2025 and took effect January 1, 2026, with a $275 annual registration fee.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Code | - | Ch. 28 Art. XXIII |
| Enabling Ordinance | - | 2025-322 |
| Annual Fee | - | $275 |
| Effective Date | - | Jan 1, 2026 |
| Permitting Agency | - | ARA Department |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellaire FAQ
No FAQs available.
Houston FAQ
Do I need to register my Houston Airbnb with the city?
Yes. Houston Ordinance 2025-322 (Chapter 28 Article XXIII) took effect January 1, 2026 and requires every short-term rental within city limits to hold an annual certificate of registration issued by the Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department. The fee is $275 per year and applies to both owner-occupied and non-owner-occupied STRs renting for under 30 consecutive days.
What documents do I need to apply for a Houston STR certificate?
ARA's STR application requires registrant identification, property address, a 24-hour emergency contact, listing platform URLs, proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax registration, property owner authorization or a current lease, and a completion certificate for an approved human trafficking awareness training. Apply at houstontx.gov/ara/str.html or contact str@houstontx.gov / 832-394-8802.
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