Montgomery County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)
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
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.
Sec. 92.010. OCCUPANCY LIMITS. (a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), the maximum number of adults that a landlord may allow to occupy a dwelling is three times the number of bedrooms in the dwelling.(b) A landlord may allow an occupancy rate of more than three adult tenants per bedroom:(1) to the extent that the landlord is required by a state or federal fair housing law to allow a higher occupancy rate; or(2) if an adult whose occupancy causes a violation of Subsection (a) is seeking temporary sanctuary from family violence, as defined by Section 71.004, Family Code, for a period that does not exceed one month.(c) An individual who owns or leases a dwelling within 3,000 feet of a dwelling as to which a landlord has violated thi
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?
What is Conroe's max occupancy for a 3-bedroom STR?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
Texas rules heatmap·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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