Houston's 2025 STR ordinance (Chapter 28, Art. XXIII) regulates short-term rentals citywide. The ordinance defines STRs as dwellings rented for less than 30 consecutive days and requires a certificate of registration. Specific occupancy caps are tied to the property's capacity as determined during registration.
Houston City Council unanimously approved the STR ordinance in April 2025. All STR operators must obtain a certificate of registration ($275 non-refundable fee plus $33.10 administrative fee). STRs may not host special events or advertise as event venues. An emergency contact must be available on-site within one hour of notification. The ordinance does not set a universal occupancy number but requires operators to comply with building code occupancy limits for the dwelling. Enforcement began January 1, 2026, with platforms required to delist non-registered STRs by January 1, 2027.
Operating without a certificate of registration: $100-$500 per day. Two or more noise citations within 12 months results in registration revocation. Three revocations in 24 months may trigger revocation of all certificates held by that owner.
Houston, TX
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Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in Harris County.
See how other cities in Harris County handle occupancy limits.
See how Houston's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.
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