Occupancy Limits: The Woodlands vs Willis
How do occupancy limits rules compare between The Woodlands, TX and Willis, TX?
Willis has fewer restrictions than The Woodlands.
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 →Willis, TX
Montgomery County
Willis has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental ordinance setting per-bedroom guest caps, even though it sits in a heavy Lake Conroe vacation-rental market. Occupancy is governed indirectly by the city-adopted 2024 International Code Council family of codes and general single-household zoning rules.
View full Willis rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | The Woodlands | Willis |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Dedicated STR Cap | - | None in city code |
| Indirect Limit | - | 2024 IBC/IPMC overcrowding |
| City HOT Rate | - | 7% (Ch. 351 max) |
| State HOT | - | 6% (Tax Code Ch. 156) |
| Permit Office | - | (936) 856-4611 |
| Confirm With | - | City Secretary 936-856-4611 x118 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Willis FAQ
Does Willis cap how many guests can stay in a Lake Conroe Airbnb?
Not through a dedicated short-term rental ordinance. The City of Willis has not adopted a per-bedroom STR guest cap. Occupancy is governed indirectly by overcrowding standards in the 2024 International Building Code and International Property Maintenance Code that Willis adopted with no amendments. Confirm any specific limit with the Willis Permit Office at (936) 856-4611.
Is the rental still taxable as a hotel in Willis?
Yes. Stays under 30 days at a Willis short-term rental are subject to the city Hotel Occupancy Tax (up to 7% under Tex. Tax Code Chapter 351) and the 6% state HOT under Tex. Tax Code Chapter 156, even though no separate STR permit is required.
Who can clarify Willis STR guest limits?
Contact the City of Willis Permit Office at (936) 856-4611 or email permits@ci.willis.tx.us. The City Secretary (936-856-4611 ext. 118, mquintanilla@willistx.gov) can confirm whether council has adopted any new STR rules.
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