Houston launched a new short-term rental ordinance effective January 1, 2026. Hosts must obtain a city permit ($308.10 total fee), complete a human trafficking awareness training course, and register for Hotel Occupancy Tax. Starting January 1, 2027, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO will be required to remove unlicensed listings — so getting your permit now protects your listing.
Active hosts in Houston average $30,057/year in gross rental revenue (AirDNA, 2026).
📋 Houston STR Permit — 2026 At a Glance
| Permit Name | City of Houston Short-Term Rental Permit |
| Application Fee | $308.10 ($275 base + $33.10 admin fee) |
| Annual Renewal | $308.10 annually |
| Processing Time | 1–3 weeks |
| Primary Residence Only? | Yes |
| Licensing Difficulty | Easy |
Do You Need a License to Short-Term Rent in Houston?
Houston’s STR ordinance, effective January 1, 2026, requires a city permit for all rentals shorter than 30 consecutive days. The permit fee is $308.10 ($275 base + $33.10 administrative fee). A distinctive requirement unique to Houston is the mandatory completion of a human trafficking awareness training course — hosts must certify completion at the time of application. Starting January 1, 2027, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO will be required to delist properties without a valid Houston STR permit, making compliance urgent for existing hosts.
How to Get a Houston Short-Term Rental Permit: Step by Step
- Complete a human trafficking awareness training course. Approved courses are listed on the City of Houston’s STR portal at houstontx.gov/STR.
- Apply for your City of Houston Short-Term Rental Permit online through the Houston Permitting Center. Certify your completion of the human trafficking training and pay the $308.10 fee ($275 + $33.10 admin).
- Register with the Texas Comptroller for a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) permit at comptroller.texas.gov.
- Display your permit number on all listing platform advertisements.
- Renew your permit annually before the anniversary date.
- Note: Starting January 1, 2027, platforms must delist properties without a valid permit. Ensure your permit number is accurate on all listings.
Houston Short-Term Rental Fees (2026)
| Fee | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| STR Permit | $275 | Annual base fee |
| Administrative fee | $33.10 | Annual |
| Total permit cost | $308.10 | Annual |
| Human Trafficking Training | Free to low-cost | One-time (required at application) |
The human trafficking awareness training is a legal requirement — not optional. Several free online courses meet the city’s requirements. Confirm the approved course list at houstontx.gov/STR before enrolling.
Key Rules & Restrictions for Houston Hosts
- Human trafficking awareness training certification required at application — no exceptions.
- Permit number must appear on all listing platform advertisements.
- Texas HOT must be collected and remitted (platforms handle automatically for most bookings).
- Starting January 1, 2027, platforms must remove listings without a valid city permit.
- Maximum occupancy: 2 persons per bedroom plus 2 additional.
- Noise ordinance compliance required: City of Houston quiet hours apply.
Taxes Short-Term Rental Hosts Owe in Houston
Texas state HOT: 6%. City of Houston HOT: 7%. Total: approximately 13%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit applicable HOT taxes automatically for Houston hosts.
Penalties for Operating Without a Permit in Houston
Operating without a permit after January 1, 2026: $500/day. Platform delisting after January 1, 2027 for unpermitted properties. Failure to complete human trafficking training: permit denial. HOT non-compliance: Texas Comptroller enforcement.
How HostStarter Handles Houston STR Compliance
Keeping pace with Houston’s permit requirements — renewals, inspections, tax remittance, and ordinance updates — is a significant ongoing commitment. HostStarter’s full-service property management includes complete compliance handling: we track deadlines, coordinate inspections, ensure your listing always displays a valid permit number, and alert you to regulatory changes before they impact your revenue.
Get a free Houston revenue estimate from HostStarter →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to run an Airbnb in Houston?
Yes. Houston’s new ordinance (effective January 1, 2026) requires a city STR permit. You must also complete a human trafficking awareness training course and hold a Texas Comptroller HOT permit.
How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Houston?
The Houston STR permit costs $308.10 ($275 + $33.10 administrative fee) per year.
How long does it take to get an STR license in Houston?
Most Houston STR permit applications are processed within 1–3 weeks.
What taxes do Airbnb hosts owe in Houston?
Houston hosts owe Texas state HOT (6%) and city HOT (7%) — totaling 13%. Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit these automatically.
What are the penalties for operating an unlicensed Airbnb in Houston?
Operating without a permit: $500/day. Starting January 1, 2027, platforms including Airbnb and VRBO will be required to delist unlicensed properties — so your listing itself is at risk if you delay getting permitted.