Howdy Houstonians!

As Houston’s short-term rental (STR) market continues to grow, the City is introducing new regulations to create a more structured and sustainable system for hosts, guests, and the surrounding community. The proposed Short-Term Rental Ordinance, developed by the City of Houston Quality of Life Committee, aims to establish clear guidelines that promote safety, accountability, and compliance.

For property owners looking to legally operate an STR in Houston, understanding the new requirements, exemptions, and tax obligations will be essential. Below, we break down what the ordinance entails and what hosts need to do to stay compliant.

Who Is Exempt from the New Ordinance?

While the new ordinance applies to most short-term rentals, certain properties are exempt from these requirements, as outlined in The City of Houston Code of Ordinances. These include:

• Boarding homes (as defined in Article XIV of the Code of Ordinances.)
• Hotels and bed & breakfast facilities (as defined in Article VI.)
• Lodging facilities (as defined in Article XVIII.)
• Alternate housing facilities (as defined in Article IV, Chapter 28.)
• Buildings providing sleeping facilities for services regulated by federal or state agencies, such as the Texas Department of State Health Services.
• Properties under a leaseback arrangement, where a seller leases a home back from the purchaser.

If your property does not fall under these exemptions, you will be required to register and comply with the proposed regulations.

Short-Term Rental Registration Requirements

To legally operate a short-term rental in Houston, property owners must obtain a certificate of registration. The following information and documentation will be required:

Property & Ownership Details

To legally operate a short-term rental in Houston, property owners must obtain a certificate of registration. As part of the application process, owners will need to provide key details about their STR and its ownership.

Required information includes:

• The STR’s address.
• Names, mailing addresses, phone numbers, and emails of all owners, operators, and agents.
• Proof of ownership or written permission from the property owner (if the applicant is not the owner.)
• If owned by a business entity, documentation proving the entity is in good standing with the Texas Secretary of State and the contact details of a designated representative.

HOA Compliance Acknowledgement

Property owners must also acknowledge that their STR complies with any applicable HOA rules, deed restrictions, rental agreements, and other property regulations. As part of the registration process, owners must sign a sworn statement confirming their understanding of and commitment to following all STR regulations set by the city. Additionally, operators must provide proof of registration for the payment of hotel occupancy taxes and, if applicable, proof of past remittances.

Transparency and Guest Safety Requirements

To maintain transparency, STR operators must disclose all platforms used for booking transactions within the 12 months prior to registration. This includes major listing services such as Airbnb, Vrbo, and any other third-party platforms that facilitate short-term rentals.

In addition, the ordinance places a strong emphasis on guest safety. Each operator must designate a 24-hour emergency contact responsible for responding to urgent issues at the property.

Why Compliance Matters

The proposed STR ordinance is part of Houston’s broader effort to create a safer and more well-regulated short-term rental market. By meeting these standards, hosts can operate legally, provide a better guest experience, and avoid potential penalties.

How We Can Help

Keeping up with new regulations can be challenging, but you don’t have to navigate the process alone. Want a custom compliance strategy? Visit the Monopoly Store to explore consulting services and expert guidance on meeting Houston’s new STR ordinance requirements.

Looking for ongoing support beyond compliance? Then maybe one of our structured service plans can help keep your rental guest-ready year-round. Whether it’s routine upkeep, post-clean inspections, or full-scale property management, we offer tailored solutions to fit your needs.

• Community Care – Essential property upkeep with Twice-a-Week Service Visits and Monopoly Cam for instant updates.
• Marvin Gardens Maintenance – Everything in Community Care, plus handyman services, post-clean inspections, and seasonal maintenance.
• Park Place Prestige – Our most elite plan, including marketing, direct bookings, security deposits, and complete management.

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