Pasadena, TX Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- State Hotel Tax
- 6%
- Local Hotel Tax
- 7%
- Total Rate
- 13%
- Applies To
- Stays of 30 days or less
Summary
Short-term rental hosts in Pasadena must collect and remit a total 13% hotel occupancy tax: 6% state tax under TX Tax Code Ch. 156 and 7% local tax. Failure to collect results in state penalties plus interest.
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
Pasadena levies a 7% local hotel occupancy tax on rooms rented for 30 consecutive days or less, in addition to the 6% state hotel occupancy tax under TX Tax Code Chapter 156. The combined 13% rate applies to all short-term rental bookings including Airbnb and VRBO. Hosts are responsible for collecting, reporting, and remitting these taxes. Airbnb and VRBO may collect and remit the state portion automatically, but hosts should verify local tax obligations with the city. Quarterly reporting may be required. The city uses hotel occupancy tax revenue to promote tourism and the convention center.
Violations & Fines
State penalties for failure to file/pay: 5% penalty after 30 days, 10% after 60 days, plus interest per TX Tax Code. Local violations subject to city enforcement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What taxes do Pasadena Airbnb hosts pay?
Does Airbnb collect the tax automatically?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pasadena
How Pasadena compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Pasadena to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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Taxes & Fees in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Harris County handle taxes & fees.