BondPermit · Short-term rental rules

Short-term rental rules in Houston, TX

Compiled from the city's official pages — rules you must confirm before you list. Compiled August 2026; rules change, confirm each on the official site.

Houston, TX · rules you must confirm

Registration & tax

Compiled from the city's official pages. Links go to the official site where available — confirm each before you list.

Registration / license
Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration
Issued by City of Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) · $275.00 non-refundable application fee (ordinance fee exhibit Sec. 28-731(a))
Lodging / occupancy tax
Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)
Houston First Corporation (City of Houston HOT program) · City HOT is 7% of taxable lodging — confirm current rate and remittance path with Houston First
Base zoning

Check your exact address's zoning — live

Zoning is parcel-specific. We don't guess it on this page — check your exact address against the city's live GIS.

Check your address's live zoning →
Houston, TX · stay current

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Houston, TX · common questions

FAQ

Does Houston require short-term rentals to register?

The city lists a short-term-rental registration (Short-Term Rental Certificate of Registration) on its official pages. Whether it applies to your specific listing depends on factors we don't verify — confirm directly with City of Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA). Informational only, not legal advice.

How much does Houston STR registration cost?

Published fee guidance: $275.00 non-refundable application fee (ordinance fee exhibit Sec. 28-731(a)). Fees change — confirm the current amount with City of Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) before you pay.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Houston?

The city lists Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) (City HOT is 7% of taxable lodging — confirm current rate and remittance path with Houston First), administered by Houston First Corporation (City of Houston HOT program). Confirm current rates and how to register on the official tax page.

Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Houston?

That depends on the city's zoning and primary-residence rules, which we don't verify here — confirm with City of Houston Administration & Regulatory Affairs Department (ARA) and check your exact address's base zoning.

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