Houston, TX Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Houston Code Ch. 28, Art. XXIII (adopted April 2025)
- Registration Fee
- $275 + $33.10 admin fee, renewed annually
- Events
- Special events at STRs prohibited
- Enforcement Start
- January 1, 2026
- Penalty
- $100-$500/day for unregistered operation
Summary
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.
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Full Breakdown
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.
Violations & Fines
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Houston have a maximum occupancy for short-term rentals?
When did Houston start regulating short-term rentals?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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Occupancy Limits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle occupancy limits.