Night Caps: Dallas vs Houston
How do night caps rules compare between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX?
Houston has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas limits STR occupancy to no more than 12 occupants per rental unit, with a maximum of three occupants per bedroom.
View full Dallas rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston's short-term rental ordinance (Chapter 28 Article XXIII, adopted by Ordinance 2025-322) sets a one-night minimum stay for every registered STR but does not impose a maximum cap on rental nights per year. Texas has no statewide STR night cap and Houston has no zoning code, so rental frequency is governed only by Article XXIII's operational standards.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Max Occupancy | 12 persons per unit | - |
| Per Bedroom | 3 persons max | - |
| Enforcement | Code Compliance | - |
| Code | - | Ch. 28 Art. XXIII |
| Enabling Ordinance | - | 2025-322 |
| Minimum Stay | - | 1 night |
| Maximum Night Cap | - | None |
| State Preemption | - | None (Texas) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
How many guests can stay in a Dallas short-term rental?
No more than 12 occupants per rental unit, with a limit of three occupants per bedroom.
Does house size affect occupancy limits?
No. The 12-person maximum and 3-per-bedroom limit apply regardless of property size.
Houston FAQ
Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent out my Houston short-term rental each year?
No. Houston Code of Ordinances Chapter 28 Article XXIII (Ordinance 2025-322, effective January 1, 2026) does not impose a maximum number of nights per year, an annual booking cap, or a primary-residence-only restriction. Texas has no statewide STR night cap, and Houston has no zoning code that would create one indirectly.
Does Houston require a minimum stay for short-term rentals?
Yes. Article XXIII requires a minimum one-night stay for all registered short-term rentals; rentals advertised for less than one night are prohibited. Operators must also comply with noise (Chapter 30), occupancy disclosed on the registration application, and parking standards, and may have their certificate revoked after two or more citation convictions within 12 months.
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