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Is Airbnb legal in Houston, Texas?

Legal citywide with a Certificate of Registration since January 2026. Houston's first STR ordinance took effect January 1, 2026 and requires every unit rented under 30 days to hold a Certificate of Registration from the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department. There is no zoning restriction, no occupancy cap, and no owner-occupancy rule, so investors can operate whole homes anywhere in city limits. Platform delisting of unregistered listings begins January 1, 2027.

Showing the researched rules for Houston, TX below. Type your Houston address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal citywide with a Certificate of Registration since January 2026

Houston's first STR ordinance took effect January 1, 2026 and requires every unit rented under 30 days to hold a Certificate of Registration from the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department. There is no zoning restriction, no occupancy cap, and no owner-occupancy rule, so investors can operate whole homes anywhere in city limits. Platform delisting of unregistered listings begins January 1, 2027.

Permit and costs

Permit
Certificate of Registration
Issued by
City of Houston, Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department
Cost
$275 / year plus a CPI-adjusted admin fee ($33.10 in 2025)
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Zoning
No zoning restrictions citywide
Owner occupancy
Not required
Night cap
None
Per-owner limit
None, but each unit needs its own certificate

Taxes

Combined hotel tax
17% (6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County, 2% sports authority)

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Gather documents
    Prepare owner and property info, a 24-hour emergency contact, tax registration, liability insurance proof, and human trafficking training.
  2. 2
    Apply at the STR portal
    File the application at str.houstontx.gov and pay the $275 fee plus the admin fee.
  3. 3
    Display the number
    Post the registration number on every platform listing, since delisting of unregistered listings starts January 2027.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
The ordinance makes you certify that your deed restrictions or HOA allow short-term rental use.
Platform delisting
From January 1, 2027 the city will notify platforms to remove listings without a valid registration number.

Sources

Houston Permitting Center STR ordinance update · BNBCalc Houston STR regulations 2026

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

Want this verified for your exact address?

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.