Occupancy Limits: Houston vs Humble
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Houston, TX and Humble, TX?
Humble has fewer restrictions than Houston.
Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston's 2025 STR ordinance (Chapter 28, Art. XXIII) regulates short-term rentals citywide. The ordinance defines STRs as dwellings rented for less than 30 consecutive days and requires a certificate of registration. Specific occupancy caps are tied to the property's capacity as determined during registration.
View full Houston rules →Humble, TX
Harris County
Humble has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental ordinance setting per-bedroom guest caps. Occupancy is governed indirectly by the city-adopted 2018 International Building Code and 2018 International Property Maintenance provisions, plus general zoning rules treating dwellings as single-household residences.
View full Humble rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Humble |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | Houston Code Ch. 28, Art. XXIII (adopted April 2025) | - |
| Registration Fee | $275 + $33.10 admin fee, renewed annually | - |
| Events | Special events at STRs prohibited | - |
| Enforcement Start | January 1, 2026 | - |
| Penalty | $100-$500/day for unregistered operation | - |
| Dedicated STR Cap | - | None in city code |
| Indirect Limit | - | 2018 IBC/IPMC overcrowding |
| HOT Tax Chapter | - | Ch. 40 Sec. 40-10 (7%) |
| Stay Threshold | - | Under 30 days = taxable |
| Building Dept | - | 281-446-6228 |
| Verify With | - | City Secretary 281-446-3061 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Houston FAQ
Does Houston have a maximum occupancy for short-term rentals?
The ordinance does not set a specific guest count but requires compliance with building code occupancy limits. STRs may not host special events or be used as event venues.
When did Houston start regulating short-term rentals?
Houston City Council approved the STR ordinance in April 2025, with enforcement beginning January 1, 2026. Registration opened October 1, 2025.
Humble FAQ
Does Humble cap how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
Not through a dedicated STR ordinance. Occupancy is governed by the 2018 International Building Code and Property Maintenance overcrowding standards adopted by the Building & Inspection Department.
Is the rental still taxable as a hotel?
Yes. Under Chapter 40 Section 40-10, any sleeping room rented for under 30 days at $2 or more per day is subject to the 7% city room occupancy tax.
Who can clarify a specific guest count limit?
Contact the City of Humble Building & Inspection Department at 281-446-6228 or the City Secretary at 281-446-3061 for code interpretation.
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