STR rules by city / Houston, TX
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Houston, TX short-term-rental rules
Houston requires every short-term-rental operator inside the city limits to hold an annual Certificate of Registration and to give the City-issued registration number to the listing platform.
What does Houston, TX require?
Houston requires every short-term-rental operator inside the city limits to hold an annual Certificate of Registration and to give the City-issued registration number to the listing platform.
How much is the Houston permit fee?
$275.00 per year for the certificate of registration (set in Sec. 28-731(a) of the Code of Ordinances), plus the City's separate administrative fee added to the City Fee Schedule.
How often do I renew?
Annual. Certificates issued on or before December 31, 2026 expire December 31, 2027, so the certificate is renewed each year.
What else should I know?
- Hosts had until January 1, 2026 to register under the ordinance adopted April 16, 2025.
- Starting January 1, 2027, the City will notify platforms to remove listings that lack a certificate of registration.
- Operating without a certificate can carry a fine of $100–$500 for each day of the violation.
Source: City of Houston — Administration & Regulatory Affairs, adopted STR ordinance (Sec. 28-731). Verified as of July 4, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirement with your city before you submit.
Houston, TX short-term-rental permit questions
- Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Houston, TX?
- Houston requires every short-term-rental operator inside the city limits to hold an annual Certificate of Registration and to give the City-issued registration number to the listing platform.
- How much does a Houston short-term-rental permit cost?
- $275.00 per year for the certificate of registration (set in Sec. 28-731(a) of the Code of Ordinances), plus the City's separate administrative fee added to the City Fee Schedule.
- How often do I renew my Houston short-term-rental registration?
- Annual. Certificates issued on or before December 31, 2026 expire December 31, 2027, so the certificate is renewed each year.
Ready to register in Houston?
The $49 Permit Packet turns these rules into a pre-filled, submission-ready registration packet plus a renewal calendar, with every requirement cited to Houston's primary source. You review it, then submit it to the city.
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Document-preparation reminders only. Confirm the exact renewal deadline with your city.
STRPermitKit is an independent document-preparation tool — not legal advice, not affiliated with Airbnb, Vrbo, or any city government; verify all requirements with your city.