Occupancy Limits: Shenandoah vs The Woodlands
How do occupancy limits rules compare between Shenandoah, TX and The Woodlands, TX?
Shenandoah and The Woodlands have similar restriction levels.
Shenandoah, TX
Montgomery County
Shenandoah does not publish a dedicated short-term rental ordinance, so STR occupancy is not capped by a city-specific guest formula. Operators must meet building-code occupancy limits and remit Shenandoah's 7% hotel occupancy tax plus the 6% state HOT.
View full Shenandoah rules →The Woodlands, TX
Montgomery County
The Woodlands Township is a special-purpose district and cannot adopt municipal ordinances or fines, so STR occupancy is enforced through Covenant Administration approval, the Maintenance and Use Agreement, the Residential Development Standards, and village-level deed restrictions. All renters must be at least 21 years old, and operators must manage occupancy and parking to avoid nuisance.
View full The Woodlands rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Shenandoah | The Woodlands |
|---|---|---|
| Dedicated STR Ordinance | None published | - |
| City HOT Rate | 7% | - |
| State HOT Rate | 6% | - |
| Combined HOT | 13% | - |
| STR Trigger | Rental of 30 days or fewer | - |
| Building Code | 2021 IRC, with local amendments | - |
| Verify With | Community Development, 281-298-5522 | - |
| Governing Body | - | Development Standards Committee |
| Numeric Guest Cap | - | Not published |
| Minimum Renter Age | - | 21 years old |
| Compliance Deposit | - | $500 |
| Approval | - | Annual, revocable |
| Authority | - | Tex. Local Gov't Code Ch. 289A |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Shenandoah FAQ
Does Shenandoah cap how many guests can stay in a short-term rental?
Shenandoah does not publish a per-property STR guest cap. Occupancy is governed by the residence's certificate of occupancy and 2021 IRC limits. Confirm specifics with Community Development at 281-298-5522.
Do I have to collect hotel occupancy tax on a Shenandoah Airbnb stay?
Yes. Stays of 30 days or fewer owe 7% Shenandoah HOT plus 6% state HOT, for 13% total, under Tex. Tax Code Chs. 156 and 351.
Where do I report Shenandoah hotel occupancy tax?
Use the City's Hotel/Motel Tax Form at the Hotel Occupancy Tax Reporting page on shenandoahtx.us, and remit state HOT to the Texas Comptroller.
The Woodlands FAQ
Does The Woodlands Township set a maximum number of guests for an Airbnb?
No numeric guest cap is published. The Maintenance and Use Agreement requires occupancy be managed to avoid nuisance, and limits derive from village deed restrictions, IRC bedroom/egress standards, and your specific covenants. All renters must be at least 21.
Can The Woodlands Township fine me for STR occupancy violations?
The Township has stated its enabling legislation does not authorize ordinance fines. Instead, Covenant Administration can revoke your STR approval, hold the $500 compliance deposit, and pursue civil deed-restriction enforcement. Your village POA may impose its own covenant fines.
Do I need approval to operate a short-term rental in The Woodlands?
Yes. You must apply through the Township Permitting Portal, sign the Short-Term Rental Maintenance and Use Agreement, submit a certificate of insurance, designate a 24/7 local responsible party with a backup, and renew annually.
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