Permit Requirements: Houston vs Pasadena
How do permit requirements rules compare between Houston, TX and Pasadena, TX?
Houston and Pasadena have similar restriction levels.
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 →Pasadena, TX
Harris County
Pasadena does not have a specific short-term rental ordinance at the city level. Texas state law under TX Tax Code Ch. 156 governs hotel occupancy tax. Property owners must comply with general zoning and nuisance ordinances. Pasadena is a non-zoned city relying on deed restrictions.
View full Pasadena rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Houston | Pasadena |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinance | Ord. 2025-322 | - |
| Effective | January 1, 2026 | - |
| Registration Fee | $275 + $33.10 admin | - |
| Penalty | $100–$500/day | - |
| Renewal | Annual | - |
| City STR Ordinance | - | None specific |
| State Hotel Tax | - | 6% (TX Tax Code Ch. 156) |
| Local Hotel Tax | - | 7% |
| Zoning Status | - | Non-zoned city |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Pasadena FAQ
Do I need a permit for an Airbnb in Pasadena TX?
Pasadena does not have a specific STR permit system. You must collect and remit state (6%) and local (7%) hotel occupancy taxes and comply with deed restrictions and nuisance codes.
Can my HOA block short-term rentals?
Yes. Pasadena relies on deed restrictions rather than zoning, so subdivision deed restrictions may prohibit or limit short-term rentals.
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