Houston STR Regulations Explained: What Property Owners Must Know in 2026
As of 2026, Houston has put in place its first comprehensive short-term rental (STR) regulations, transforming how Airbnb, VRBO, and similar properties operate within city limits. For years, Houston was known for having relatively limited oversight of STRs, but rising neighborhood concerns, safety issues, and nuisance complaints prompted decisive action by city leaders. Whether you’re a seasoned host or considering entering the short-term rental market, understanding these new rules is essential to operate legally and protect your investment.
What Is Considered an STR in Houston?
Under the new ordinance adopted by the Houston City Council in April 2025, a short-term rental is defined as any dwelling unit (or a portion of one) offered or rented for less than 30 consecutive days. This definition applies regardless of the booking platform, Airbnb, VRBO, or others, and excludes hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, and similar licensed lodging facilities.
The ordinance takes effect January 1, 2026, so all property owners operating STRs must be fully compliant by that date. Registration opens in late 2025 through Houston’s STR registration portal.
Mandatory STR Registration and Fees
One of the biggest changes for 2026 is the city’s mandatory registration requirement. Every STR must obtain a Certificate of Registration before it can legally operate. Applications opened as early as October 1, 2025, and enforcement begins in 2026.
Important points include:
Annual Registration: Each property must be registered separately, and the certificate must be renewed each year.
Registration Fee: The annual fee is $275 per property.
Application Requirements: Owners must provide detailed documentation, including personal information, emergency contact details, and tax documentation, to complete registration.
Failure to register your STR by the enforcement date can lead to daily fines ranging from $100 to $500 for each day of non-compliance, and platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may be required to remove unregistered listings.
Displaying Your Registration and Emergency Contact
Once registered, you must display your Certificate of Registration number on all listings and provide a 24-hour emergency contact for neighbors, guests, and city officials to reach in case of issues.
This rule is designed to ensure that problems from noise complaints to safety concerns can be addressed quickly and efficiently, keeping STRs better integrated into residential communities.
Regulations Property Owners Must Follow
Houston’s STR ordinance includes several key compliance areas beyond registration:
Noise, Safety, and Neighborhood Standards
STRs must adhere to existing noise and sound level ordinances, minimizing disturbance to nearby residents. Complaints may be routed through city departments like Houston Police, Public Works, and Solid Waste Management, depending on the issue.
Building and Fire Codes
Properties must comply with building safety and fire codes, ensuring basic protections like smoke detectors and safe exits are in place.
Waste and Cleanup Regulations
Owners must ensure proper disposal of trash and maintain the property so it does not negatively affect the neighborhood.
Advertising and Promotion Rules
STRs are prohibited from being advertised as event spaces or venues for large parties. Listings must clearly show maximum occupancy limits and adhere to city standards.
Minimum Stay and Booking Rules
Properties must meet minimum stay requirements as defined by the ordinance, and bookings shorter than one night are not permitted.
Training and Accountability
Under the new law, property owners and operators must also complete annual human trafficking awareness training.
This requirement reflects broader city priorities on safety and responsible hosting, pushing STR ownership toward professional standards rather than casual, unmanaged operations.
What Happens If You Don’t Comply?
Non-compliance carries real consequences:
Daily Fines: Operating without a valid registration certificate can result in fines from $100 to $500 per day.
Listing Removal: STR platforms must remove non-compliant listings within a set period after city notification.
Revocation: Repeated violations may lead to registration revocation, especially if a property generates excessive complaints or criminal activity.
Property owners with multiple STRs face increased scrutiny and risk having registrations suspended across multiple units if problems persist.
Preparing for 2026 Compliance
Houston’s STR regulations signal a major shift from a largely unregulated market to one with structured oversight, accountability, and safety expectations. For property owners, compliance is not just a legal requirement but a way to protect revenue, avoid fines, and build sustainable, neighbor-friendly rental businesses.
To stay compliant, make sure your STR:
Is registered before January 1, 2026
Displays its certificate number on all listings
Meets safety, noise, and waste standards
Provides a 24/7 emergency contact
Completes required training
Being proactive about compliance not only protects your ability to host it also helps enhance guest experiences and community trust.
How the Home Co-Host Helps with Houston STR Compliance
The Home Co-Host supports Houston property owners by helping manage the operational and compliance requirements introduced under the 2026 STR regulations. This co-hosting model assists with registration readiness, guest communication, calendar oversight, and listing accuracy, including displaying required registration details. Property owners remain in control while benefiting from structured systems and local expertise. This shared approach reduces the risk of violations, missed renewals, and operational stress while maintaining transparency.