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League City, TX Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified April 2026

Key Facts

Permit Required
Yes, $300/year
Safety Inspections
Annual fire and life safety
Tax Registration
Rentalscape (eff. July 2024)
Penalty
Up to $500 + doubled permit fee

Summary

League City requires all STR operators to obtain an STR permit ($300/year) and comply with fire and life safety inspections. The permit checklist includes documentation requirements that may include insurance verification. Operators must also register with Rentalscape for hotel occupancy tax reporting.

Consequences for Non-Compliance: Listing, advertising, or operating a short-term rental without an active permit is prohibited and subject to fines of up to $500. Failure to comply with the STR permit registration or HOT payment requirements as outlined in Ordinance 88-58 is a Class C misdemeanor offense and is punishable upon conviction by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500.00) per offense. Each day shall constitute a separate offense. Fire and Life Safety Requirements: All short-term rentals shall be equipped with fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors as required by all applicable law. Every sleeping area shall have at least one operable emergency escape and rescue opening as required by all applicable law. An evacuation plan shall be posted conspicuously in each permitted sleeping area. Any room or sleeping area in an STR that does not comply with this section shall not be used as a sleeping area and where equipped with a door, shall remain locked at all times when the dwelling is being used as an STR. Such non-compliant sleeping area shall not be included in the maximum occupancy calculation for the STR. Each sleeping area must include at a minimum the shared use of a full bathroom. Fire and life safety inspections must be completed annually as part of the STR Permitting process. Parking Requirements: The City requires each single-family residential dwelling to have four parking spaces. Compliance with All Applicable Laws and Codes: The owner of the property and the operator of the STR shall be responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the use and occupancy of the subject STR, including prohibition of public nuisances and unreasonable noise.

Source: League City STR Operator GuidelinesView official code

Full Breakdown

Under City Ordinance Sec. 125-3.14.18, every STR property requires a city permit issued through the Building Department. The annual permit costs $300 and must be renewed each year by December 1. Fire and life safety inspections are required annually. Operators must display their permit number on all booking platform listings. Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency escape openings are mandatory in sleeping areas. The city requires registration with Rentalscape for tax reporting (effective July 2024).

Violations & Fines

Operating without a permit: fines up to $500. Permit fees double if advertising without a valid permit. Violations constitute Class C misdemeanor offenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need insurance for a short-term rental in League City?
The STR permit process includes fire and life safety inspection requirements. The permit checklist may require insurance documentation. Contact the Building Department at 281-554-1429 for specifics.
How much does an STR permit cost in League City?
$300 per year. Permits run January to December and must be renewed by December 1 each year. Operating without a permit carries fines up to $500.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in League City

All League City rules

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