Houston, TX Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Houston, TX, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Ordinance
- Ord. 2025-322
- Effective
- January 1, 2026
- Registration Fee
- $275 + $33.10 admin
- Penalty
- $100–$500/day
- Renewal
- Annual
Summary
Houston adopted STR regulations in April 2025 (Ord. 2025-322), effective January 1, 2026. All STRs require a Certificate of Registration ($275 fee plus $33.10 admin fee). As of April 2026, platforms must remove unregistered listings.
7. Is the application process lengthy?
The application process can be completed quickly if the applicant gathers the following items and information in advance of going online to apply for the STR Certificate of Registration:
a. The property address.
b. Name(s) and contact information for the property owner(s).
c. Emergency Contact information for the individual(s) who will be available (by phone) 24/7 to respond within one hour after being notified of an emergency condition or situation at the property.
d. A list of online platforms/websites that have facilitated bookings for the property.
e. Proof that t
Full Breakdown
Houston City Council unanimously approved Ord. 2025-322 on April 16, 2025, establishing the city's first short-term rental regulations. An STR is defined as a dwelling unit rented for less than 30 consecutive days. Each unit requires a separate Certificate of Registration. Application requires a $275 non-refundable registration fee and $33.10 administrative fee. Operators must provide a 24-hour emergency contact, proof of ownership or owner permission, acknowledgment that STR use does not violate deed restrictions, and completion of annual human trafficking prevention training. Certificates are valid for one year, non-transferable, and must be displayed on all listings. Registration opened October 1, 2025; enforcement began January 1, 2026. As of April 1, 2026, the city notifies platforms to remove non-compliant listings within 10 days. Over 8,500 STRs were already operating in Houston at adoption.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a Certificate of Registration: $100–$500 per day of violation. Two or more noise citations within 12 months may result in certificate revocation. Three or more revocations for the same owner within 24 months triggers revocation of all remaining certificates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Houston?
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Houston?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Houston
How Houston compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Houston to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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Short-Term Rental Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle short-term rental permits.