Montgomery County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Montgomery County, TX, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Requirement
- No county STR registration required
- Note
- Check HOA/deed restrictions first
- Note
- TX LGC §250.006 limits STR bans by municipalities
- Note
- The Woodlands Township has separate STR rules
Summary
Montgomery County does not require STR registration or permits in unincorporated areas. No county STR policy exists. Property-specific deed restrictions or HOA rules may restrict or prohibit STRs; verify with your subdivision's HOA before listing.
Sec. 351.002. TAX AUTHORIZED. (a) A municipality by ordinance may impose a tax on a person who, under a lease, concession, permit, right of access, license, contract, or agreement, pays for the use or possession or for the right to the use or possession of a room that is in a hotel, costs $2 or more each day, and is ordinarily used for sleeping.(b) The price of a room in a hotel does not include the cost of food served by the hotel and the cost of personal services performed by the hotel for the person except for those services related to cleaning and readying the room for use or possession.(c) The tax does not apply to a person who is a permanent resident under Section 156.101 of this code. Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 191, Sec.
Full Breakdown
Unincorporated Montgomery County has no short-term rental registration ordinance. Texas counties cannot enact broad land-use regulations, and no Commissioners Court action has established STR licensing or permitting for the unincorporated county. Property owners should check subdivision deed restrictions and HOA governing documents before operating an STR. The Woodlands Township (a special purpose district) has its own STR requirements for properties within its boundaries. Incorporated cities in the county have separate rules.
Violations & Fines
Operating without permit/registration: varies by city ($200 to $1,000/day). Safety violations: correction notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in Montgomery County?
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in Montgomery County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Montgomery County
How Montgomery County compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Montgomery County to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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