Houston's STR ordinance requires operators to maintain a $1 million liability insurance policy during any period the rental property is available for booking. This is one of the strictest insurance mandates for STRs among major US cities.
Under Houston Code Chapter 28, Art. XXIII, STR operators must maintain commercial general liability insurance of at least $1 million during any period the property is listed or available for short-term rental use. Proof of insurance must be provided during the registration process and maintained throughout the certificate period. Operators must also complete annual human trafficking prevention training and collect and remit Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) quarterly. Failure to maintain insurance may result in certificate revocation.
Failure to maintain required insurance may result in revocation of the certificate of registration. Operating without a valid certificate carries fines of $100-$500 per day of violation.
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle insurance requirements.
See how Houston's insurance requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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