(Texas Scorecard) – A new ordinance passed by the Houston City Council introduces sweeping changes for short-term rental operators.
The Houston City Council approved a new ordinance last week establishing regulations for short-term rentals (STRs) within city limits. According to the ordinance, an STR is defined as any dwelling unit or portion of a dwelling unit, such as a room in a home, rented or offered for rent for fewer than 30 consecutive days. This includes platforms like Airbnb and VRBO.
Notably, hotels, bed and breakfasts, and group homes are excluded from this definition.
The city will begin accepting STR registration applications online. The website will include access to the registration portal, an interactive map displaying approved STRs, and a 24-hour hotline that allows the public to report unregistered properties or violations of the ordinance. The annual registration fee is set at $275 per property.
The ordinance outlines specific requirements that STR property owners and operators must meet. These include compliance with:
- Noise and sound regulations
- Building and neighborhood protection standards
- Waste and litter control
- Fire code provisions
- Hotel Occupancy Tax requirements
- Listing and notice rules
- Emergency contact availability (a 24-hour reachable contact must be designated for each property)
Additionally, STRs are prohibited from being advertised as event spaces, as such venues are classified differently under city regulations.
The ordinance also specifies conditions under which an STR registration may be revoked. A property may lose its registration if it receives three or more convictions related to ordinance violations within a two-year period.
Registration can also be revoked if renters commit certain crimes on the property, including reckless discharge of a firearm, disorderly conduct, or prostitution.
Furthermore, the ordinance mandates that all STR property owners or operators complete annual human trafficking awareness training.
The registration website, along with a comprehensive list and map of registered STRs, will go live on August 1, 2025. All STRs must be registered and fully compliant with the ordinance by January 1, 2026.