Permit Requirements: Dallas vs Houston
How do permit requirements rules compare between Dallas, TX and Houston, TX?
Houston has fewer restrictions than Dallas.
Dallas, TX
Dallas County
Dallas requires STR registration. In June 2023, City Council voted to ban STRs from residential areas, but a court injunction has blocked enforcement since December 2023. Registration and existing regulations remain in effect.
View full Dallas rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Dallas | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | Required (annual) | - |
| Residential Ban | Passed 2023, injunction blocks | - |
| Court Status | TX Supreme Court petition | - |
| Total STRs | ~3,495 in city | - |
| Ordinance | - | Ord. 2025-322 |
| Effective | - | January 1, 2026 |
| Registration Fee | - | $275 + $33.10 admin |
| Penalty | - | $100–$500/day |
| Renewal | - | Annual |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Dallas FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Dallas?
Dallas requires STR registration. In June 2023, City Council voted to ban STRs from residential areas, but a court injunction has blocked enforcement since December 2023. Registration and existing regulations remain in effect.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Dallas?
Registration: Required (annual). Residential Ban: Passed 2023, injunction blocks. Court Status: TX Supreme Court petition. Total STRs: ~3,495 in city.
Houston FAQ
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Houston?
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Houston?
Ordinance: Ord. 2025-322. Effective: January 1, 2026. Registration Fee: $275 + $33.10 admin. Penalty: $100–$500/day.
Compare other topics
See how Dallas and Houston compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool