Primary-Residence-Only Rule: Chicago vs Houston
How do primary-residence-only rule rules compare between Chicago, IL and Houston, TX?
Houston has fewer restrictions than Chicago.
Chicago, IL
Cook County
Chicago's Vacation Rental and Shared Housing Ordinance MCC 4-14 limits most short-term rental hosts to their primary residence. Non-primary listings require Vacation Rental licensing with stricter zoning, and many wards prohibit non-owner-occupied operations through restricted-zone votes.
View full Chicago rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston's 2024 short-term rental ordinance does not restrict STRs to operators' primary residences. Investor-owned whole-home rentals remain lawful citywide, subject to registration and hotel occupancy tax. Deed restrictions in many subdivisions independently prohibit transient rental use.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Chicago | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Code | MCC 4-14 Shared Housing | - |
| Primary-residence rule | Required for Shared Housing | Not imposed by Houston |
| Vacation rental | Separate license, restricted zones | - |
| Hotel tax | 4.5 percent city share | - |
| Restriction trigger | Precinct vote allowed | - |
| Investor STRs | - | Allowed citywide if registered |
| Deed restrictions | - | Primary practical limit |
| Tax requirement | - | Hotel occupancy tax due |
| Severity | - | Permissive municipally |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Chicago FAQ
Can I list my second home on Airbnb in Chicago?
Only if it sits outside a Restricted Residential Zone and you obtain a Vacation Rental License. Otherwise short-term rental of a non-primary residence is prohibited under MCC 4-14 and platforms must remove unlicensed listings.
How do I prove primary residence?
Show two of: driver's license matching the address, voter registration, recent utility bills, mortgage or homestead exemption documents. The Department of Business Affairs verifies during license review and renewals.
Houston FAQ
Must my Houston STR be my primary residence?
No. The 2024 ordinance allows investor-owned whole-home rentals if the operator registers and remits hotel occupancy tax. Deed restrictions on the parcel may still independently prohibit transient use.
Why do some Houston neighborhoods still ban STRs?
Private deed restrictions recorded against subdivision plats often prohibit transient or hotel-style rentals. The City enforces those restrictions in district court under Local Government Code Chapter 212.
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