Unincorporated Harris County does not impose night caps or stay-length limits on short-term rentals. Texas counties have no general zoning authority under the Local Government Code, so STRs are permitted by-right. Operators must collect Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and Harris County HOT (7%) on stays under 30 days under Tax Code Chapters 156 and 352.
Harris County is the largest county in Texas and, like all Texas counties, has no general zoning authority outside narrow grants in Local Government Code Chapter 231 (which does not include Harris County). The county therefore cannot cap the number of nights a property can be rented or restrict short-term rentals through zoning in unincorporated areas. The City of Houston adopted a separate STR registration ordinance (Ord. 2025) effective January 1, 2026, but it applies only inside Houston city limits and does not impose a night cap. Operators in unincorporated Harris County must register with the Harris County Tax Office to collect the 7% county Hotel Occupancy Tax under Texas Tax Code Chapter 352 plus the 6% state HOT under Chapter 156, applicable to stays of 29 nights or less. Building, health, and floodplain rules still apply. Confirm with the Harris County Tax Office at (713) 274-8151.
Failing to register and remit the 7% county HOT under Texas Tax Code Chapter 352 or the 6% state HOT under Chapter 156 can trigger back taxes, penalties, and interest collected by the Harris County Tax Office and Texas Comptroller.
See how other cities in Harris County handle night caps.
See how Humble's night caps rules stack up against other locations.
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