Airbnb Rental Laws and Regulations Houston, TX

What is a Short-Term (Airbnb) Rental (STR)?

In Houston, Texas, a short-term (Airbnb) rental (STR) is defined as a residential dwelling unit, or portion thereof, that is rented out to guests for less than 30 consecutive days. Examples of short-term rentals include vacation homes, apartments, and rooms in a single-family home.

Can an Investor Own More than One Vacation Rental Property in Houston, Texas?

Yes, an investor can own multiple vacation rental properties in Houston, Texas. However, each property must comply with the city’s short-term (Airbnb) rental regulations and obtain a vacation rental license.

Does Houston, Texas, have Zoning Restrictions for Short-Term (Airbnb) Rentals?

Houston, Texas, does not have zoning restrictions for short-term rentals. As long as the property meets the city’s safety and building codes, it is allowed to be used as a Airbnb rental.

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Can an Investor Own and Operate their Airbnb Property as a Business Entity in Houston, Texas?

Yes, investors can own and operate their Airbnb property as a business entity in Houston, Texas. However, the business entity must register with the state of Texas and obtain a Certificate of Formation or other required documents.

Can Investors Register Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), Duplexes, and Multi-Family Homes in Houston, Texas as Vacation Rentals?

Yes, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multi-family homes in Houston, Texas as vacation rentals. However, each unit must comply with the city’s safety and building codes and obtain a vacation rental license.

Yes, investors can register accessory dwelling units (ADU), duplexes, and multi-family homes in Houston, Texas as vacation rentals. However, each unit must comply with the city’s safety and building codes and obtain a vacation rental license.

What is Houston, Texas’s Requirement for Obtaining a Vacation Rental License?

To obtain a vacation rental license in Houston, Texas, investors must register with the city’s administration and regulatory affairs department. The application must include the property owner’s contact information, a copy of the deed or lease agreement, and proof of insurance.

Does Houston, Texas, Have Vacation Rental Occupancy Limits?

Houston, Texas, does not have vacation rental occupancy limits. However, the city does have a requirement that 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.

Does Houston, Texas, Require an Inspection for Investors to Obtain an STR License? What are the Physical and Structural Requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Yes, Houston, Texas, requires an inspection for investors to obtain an STR license. The inspection is conducted by a city inspector to ensure the property meets the city’s safety and building codes. Some physical and structural requirements for a vacation rental include working smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, a fire extinguisher, and a functioning heating and cooling system.

Does Houston, Texas have any Responsible Agent Requirements?

Yes, Houston, Texas has a responsible agent requirement. A responsible agent is a person who is authorized to act on behalf of the property owner and who is responsible for ensuring that the property complies with all short-term rental regulations.

Does Houston, Texas Have Specific Insurance Requirements for a Vacation Rental?

Chalet team has not observed any insurance requirements.

Do Airbnb and VRBO Remit Taxes on the Host’s Behalf in Houston, Texas? Are There Any Taxes the Host Must Track and Pay Directly to Houston, Texas?

Airbnb and VRBO remit taxes on the host’s behalf in Houston, Texas. Hosts are responsible for collecting the appropriate taxes from their guests and remitting them to Airbnb or VRBO. Airbnb and VRBO then remit the taxes to the city on the host’s behalf. In addition to the city tax, hosts must also collect and remit the state occupancy tax.

Who Should I Contact if I Have Questions Regarding Houston, Texas Vacation Rentals?

If you have any questions regarding Houston, Texas vacation rentals, you should contact the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department. They are responsible for administering and enforcing the city’s short-term rental regulations.

Resources

Houston Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department: https://www.houstontx.gov/ara/

Houston Code of Ordinances: https://library.municode.com/tx/houston/codes/code_of_ordinances

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