Night Caps: Bellaire vs Pasadena
How do night caps rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Bellaire and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Unincorporated Harris County does not impose night caps or stay-length limits on short-term rentals. Texas counties have no general zoning authority under the Local Government Code, so STRs are permitted by-right. Operators must collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and Harris County HOT (7%) on stays under 30 days under Tax Code Chapters 156 and 352.
View full Bellaire rules →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Pasadena, TX does not impose any annual night cap, minimum-stay, or maximum-stay limit on short-term rentals. The city has no dedicated STR ordinance. The only stay-length distinction in city code is the 30-day threshold in Chapter 34, Article III that triggers the 7% hotel occupancy tax for stays under 30 consecutive days.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellaire | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Night Cap | None in unincorporated Harris County | - |
| County Zoning | Not authorized (Tex. Loc. Gov. Code Ch. 231) | - |
| State HOT | 6% (Tex. Tax Code Ch. 156, stays ≤29 nights) | - |
| County HOT | 7% unincorporated (Tex. Tax Code Ch. 352) | - |
| Sports Authority HOT | 2% (Houston/Harris County) | - |
| Houston City Rule | $275/yr STR registration eff. Jan 1, 2026 (city limits only) | - |
| Tax Registration | Harris County Tax Office (713) 274-8151 | - |
| Applies To | Unincorporated Harris County only | - |
| Annual Night Cap | - | None |
| Hosted vs Unhosted Limit | - | Not regulated by city |
| 30-Day HOT Threshold | - | Sec. 34-31 (occupancy definition) |
| Statewide Cap | - | None in Texas |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellaire FAQ
Does Harris County limit how many nights I can rent my STR?
No. Harris County does not impose a night cap on short-term rentals in unincorporated areas. Texas counties have no general zoning authority under the Local Government Code, so the commissioners court cannot cap rental nights or restrict STRs by zoning. The City of Houston's new STR ordinance effective January 1, 2026 also does not impose a night cap, and it applies only inside Houston city limits, not in unincorporated Harris County.
What taxes do I have to collect on a Harris County STR?
Stays of 29 nights or less are subject to the 6% Texas state Hotel Occupancy Tax under Tax Code Chapter 156 and the 7% Harris County HOT under Chapter 352 in unincorporated areas. The Harris County Houston Sports Authority adds a 2% HOT in qualifying areas. Register with the Harris County Tax Office at (713) 274-8151 and the Texas Comptroller; many platforms collect and remit state tax automatically but county HOT is your responsibility.
Do I need a Harris County STR permit?
As of 2025 unincorporated Harris County has not adopted a short-term rental permit or registration ordinance. STR operators must still hold a Hotel Occupancy Tax account with the Harris County Tax Office, comply with Harris County Fire Code, building permit rules through the County Engineer, and any deed restrictions or HOA rules on the property. The City of Houston's $275 annual STR certificate effective January 1, 2026 applies only inside city limits.
Pasadena FAQ
How many nights per year can I rent my Pasadena, TX home on Airbnb?
There is no city limit. Pasadena, TX has no STR ordinance and imposes no annual night cap. Stays under 30 consecutive days are subject to the 7% city hotel occupancy tax under Chapter 34, Article III.
Does the 30-day rule in Chapter 34 cap how long a guest can stay?
No. Sec. 34-31 only defines when the hotel occupancy tax applies — stays of 30 or more consecutive days are not 'occupancy' for tax purposes, but the city does not prohibit longer or shorter stays.
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