October 8, 2024
In Houston, Texas, a short term rental is defined as a residential dwelling unit, or portion thereof, rented out to guests for less than 30 consecutive days. Examples include short term homes, apartments, and rooms in a single-family home.
To obtain a short term rental license in Houston, Texas, investors must register with the city’s administration and regulatory affairs department. The application should include the property owner’s contact information, a copy of the deed or lease agreement, and proof of insurance.
Yes, investors can own multiple short term rental properties in Houston, Texas. However, each property must comply with the city’s short-term (Airbnb) rental regulations and obtain a short term rental license.
Houston, Texas, does not have zoning restrictions for short-term rentals. Compliance with safety and building codes allows a property to be used as an Airbnb rental.
Investors can own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity in Houston, Texas. The business entity must register with the state of Texas and obtain a Certificate of Formation or other required documents.
Accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multi-family homes in Houston, Texas, can be registered as short term rentals. Each unit must comply with safety and building codes and obtain a short term rental license.
Houston, Texas, does not have short term rental occupancy limits. However, short-term (Airbnb) rental properties must have at least one functioning smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in each bedroom and on each level of the unit.
Yes, Houston, Texas, requires an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license. The inspection ensures compliance with safety and building codes, including working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, and a functioning heating and cooling system.
Houston, Texas, has a responsible agent requirement. A responsible agent is authorized to act on behalf of the property owner and is responsible for ensuring compliance with all short-term rental regulations.
No specific insurance requirements have been observed.
Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf in Houston, Texas. Hosts are responsible for collecting taxes from guests and remitting them to Airbnb or VRBO, who then remit the taxes to the city. Hosts must also collect and remit the state occupancy tax.
For questions regarding Houston, Texas short term rentals, contact the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department, responsible for administering and enforcing the city’s short-term rental regulations.
