Houston does not have a mandatory rental property registration or licensing program. Texas state preemption under HB 2127 limits the city's ability to create new local rental regulations. The only registration requirement is for short-term rentals under the 2025 STR ordinance.
Houston does not require landlords of long-term rental properties to register their units or obtain a rental license. There is no rental registry, no inspection program for rental properties, and no landlord licensing scheme. Texas's HB 2127 preemption law further restricts Houston from adopting new local regulations in areas covered by the Texas Property Code. The only rental registration requirement in Houston is for short-term rentals (less than 30 days) under the 2025 STR ordinance (Chapter 28, Art. XXIII), which requires a certificate of registration. Building code and fire safety inspections apply to all properties but are not rental-specific. Multi-family properties may be subject to annual fire inspections by the Houston Fire Marshal's Office.
No violations for failing to register long-term rental properties (no registration required). STR violations carry $100-$500/day fines.
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