Night Caps: Houston vs La Porte

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.

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.