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Montgomery County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions

Verified 1 month ago|Source: Conroe STR Ordinance →

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Key Facts

Conroe Formula: 2/bedroom + 2
Unincorporated: No local cap
Woodlands: STRs largely banned
HB 2127: Limits local rules
Life-Safety: IRC sq-ft standard

City-specific rules exist: Willis, Shenandoah, The Woodlands, and Conroe have their own occupancy limits rules that differ from Montgomery County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

Summary

Conroe caps STR occupancy at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2. Montgomery County cannot set STR occupancy rules in unincorporated areas. The Woodlands covenants prohibit STRs entirely in most villages. HB 2127 limits local STR regulation.

Full Breakdown

Conroe STR rules (adopted 2022, Code Ch. 26) cap occupancy at 2 adults per bedroom plus 2 additional, with children under 12 not counted, similar to most Texas STR jurisdictions. Listings must post max occupancy, and violations may lead to permit suspension. In unincorporated Montgomery County (Lake Conroe waterfront, for example), HB 2127 and the absence of county zoning power mean no occupancy cap exists beyond life-safety (IRC occupancy load based on square footage per person, typically 200 sq ft of habitable space per occupant). The Woodlands Residential Covenants define 'residential use' to exclude rentals under 30 days in most villages, effectively banning STRs rather than merely capping occupancy. SJRA may restrict party-boat tie-ups at waterfront STRs. Willis and Magnolia generally lack STR-specific occupancy codes. Platform-posted limits (Airbnb, Vrbo) are contractual, not regulatory.

Violations & Fines

Conroe overcrowding: first offense $250 warning, subsequent $500-$2,000 and permit suspension. Woodlands covenant STR: cease-and-desist, assessment lien, potential enjoinment. County life-safety overload: fire marshal order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I rent my Lake Conroe lake house to 20 people?

In unincorporated waterfront areas there is no hard cap, but life-safety load rules and insurance limits still apply. The Woodlands side of the lake prohibits short-term rentals entirely under covenants.

What is Conroe's max occupancy for a 3-bedroom STR?

Eight adults (2 × 3 bedrooms + 2). Children under 12 do not count. Exceeding this is grounds for permit suspension after the first warning.

How does Montgomery County compare?

See how Montgomery County's occupancy limits rules stack up against other locations.

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Montgomery County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Key Facts

Summary

Full Breakdown

Violations & Fines

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources & Official References

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