Written by: Sanjin Hadziomerovic
Houston’s first short-term rental (STR) ordinance was unanimously approved on April, 16th 2025, for the first time establishing a registration-and-compliance framework to balance neighborhood protection with responsible hosting.
Applications will become available on August 1, 2025, and all Airbnb operators must secure a valid Certificate of Registration by January 1, 2026. This analysis aligns with the proposed ordinance.
Market Appeal: Airbnb Investment in Houston
There are 9,108 active short-term rentals in Houston as of January 2025. The average daily rate for these rentals is $177. This translates to an annual revenue of $31,026 for short-term rentals. The average gross yield for short-term rentals in Houston is 11.73%.
There is one particular Zip Code that stands out in Houston though with a gross yield almost triple the average. Curious which one it is? It is just one click away and available for free for – all our markets. Check out our Market Dashboard for more information and AI-driven data insights.
Key Provisions
- Registration & Fees
Online portal opens August 1, 2025; applications require a $275 filing fee plus a $33.10 annual administrative surcharge. All Airbnb operators must secure a valid Certificate of Registration by January 1, 2026. - Application Requirements
Property address; proof of ownership or owner consent; 24-hour emergency contact information; list of all booking platforms used in the prior 12 months; proof of Hotel Occupancy Tax registration/remittance. - Operational Rules
Minimum one-night stay; advertising as event venues is prohibited; on-site display of registration certificate and emergency contact details; platforms must delist unregistered properties within ten business days of notice. - Enforcement & Penalties
Fines of $100–$500 per violation per day; certificate revocation for false applications, unpaid taxes, repeated noise/nuisance citations, or serious criminal activity by guests; appeal process available via administrative hearing .
