Richmond requires rental properties, including short-term rentals, to register with the City and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy before being lawfully offered for paid lodging.
Effective January 1, 2023, the City of Richmond adopted an ordinance requiring all residential rental properties operated within the city to be registered with the City. Short-term rental operators must contact the Richmond Building Department and Code Compliance to confirm zoning compatibility, complete rental registration, and obtain a Certificate of Occupancy verifying the structure complies with applicable building, life-safety, and property maintenance standards before guests are accepted.
Operating an unregistered rental or accepting paid guests without a Certificate of Occupancy may result in code-compliance citations, daily fines, and an order to cease operations until compliance is achieved.
See how other cities in Fort Bend County handle permit requirements.
See how Richmond's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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