3. Getting Started with STRs in Houston (Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Understand Zoning Laws
Land development is regulated by ordinance codes through the Department of Planning and Development. These codes govern property subdivision but do not dictate land use, meaning they do not impose zoning-based restrictions on STRs or other specific property uses.
While there are no zoning laws, STR operators should be aware of other applicable regulations, such as the Hotel and Motel Ordinance (Sections 28-201 to 28-210 of the Houston Code of Ordinances), which could apply depending on the nature of the rental. Additionally, deed restrictions or HOA rules in certain neighborhoods may limit STR operations.
County and Municipal Zoning Offices:
- Houston Planning & Development Department:
Address: 611 Walker Street, 6th Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 393-6600
Email: planningdepartment@houstontx.gov
Website: https://www.houstontx.gov/planning
(Handles land development and subdivision regulations within Houston’s city limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction)
- Houston Permitting Center:
Address: 1002 Washington Avenue, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (832) 394-8800
Website: https://www.houstonpermittingcenter.org
(Manages permits, code enforcement, and building regulations)
- Harris County Engineering Department:
Address: 1111 Fannin Street, 11th Floor, Houston, TX 77002
Phone: (713) 274-3600
Website: https://www.eng.hctx.net
(Handles floodplain management, infrastructure permits, and certain building regulations in unincorporated Harris County)
Step 2: Identify Community Deed Restrictions / Homeowner Associations (HOA)
For now, while no permit is required, STR operators should ensure compliance with other applicable property restrictions, such as deed restrictions, HOA rules, or community standards, which could limit or control STR operations based on neighborhood-specific rules. Identifying if your property is part of an association or community is therefore paramount.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and community deed restrictions often include specific standards that could impact short-term rentals (STRs). While these community standards are not specific to STRs, they may impose rules regarding property maintenance, occupancy, noise levels, and other aspects that affect the health and safety environment within a neighborhood.
Deed restrictions, which are private agreements enforced by HOAs or civic associations, may include provisions that limit certain business activities, set property upkeep standards, and enforce quiet hours. These restrictions are legally binding and vary by neighborhood, and violations can be reported to the HOA, civic club, or even the City Attorney’s office in some cases.
Residents or STR operators may obtain a copy of deed restrictions for their subdivision from the County Clerk of the county in which their property is located. Each county charges a nominal fee for copies of deed restrictions.
Step 3: Organize Required Documents
What documents are required to start an STR in Houston?Currently, there is no formal STR permit required in Houston, nor are there explicit requirements for documents like zoning compliance, proof of ownership, insurance, safety compliance, or neighbor notifications as outlined in some other cities.
Are there additional requirements like primary residence or neighbor notifications in Houston?
STR operators should ensure compliance with other applicable property restrictions, such as deed restrictions, HOA rules, or community standards and once these are identified in Step 2, prepare the documentation and permits accordingly.
Step 4: Health and Safety Compliance
What health and safety features are required for STRs in Houston?
STR platforms like Airbnb encourage hosts to ensure general safety compliance through measures such as smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and emergency exits.
Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and community deed restrictions often include specific standards regarding property maintenance, occupancy, noise levels, and other aspects that affect the health and safety environment within a neighborhood.
Step 5: Pay Taxes and Fees
What are the tax obligations for STR operators in Houston?
Short-term rental hosts in Houston are required to pay hotel occupancy taxes, similar to traditional hotels. These taxes apply to all properties rented for stays of less than 30 days. Most short-term rental (STR) owners handle these taxes by working with platforms like Airbnb or HomeAway, which typically collect and remit the taxes on behalf of hosts.
For hosts registered with a platform like Airbnb, the platform files a single tax report covering all registered STR locations, without disclosing specific property locations in the filing.
Alternatively, hosts who choose to register independently can file their own tax reports and manage payments directly to the city or state.
Hosts should ensure compliance with Houston’s tax regulations by verifying whether the platform they use handles these taxes, or by registering their property with the relevant tax authority if managing it individually.
4. Regulatory Breakdown
Frequently Asked Questions provide detailed answers to the most common regulatory questions.
Example Questions:
- Do I need a permit to operate a short-term rental in Houston? For now, while no permit is required, STR operators should ensure compliance with other applicable property restrictions, such as deed restrictions, HOA rules, or community standards, which could limit or control STR operations based on neighborhood-specific rules.
- What are the occupancy limits for STR properties in Houston? Currently, Houston does not have specific occupancy limits that apply solely to short-term rentals (STRs). However, general building and housing standards enforce health and safety requirements for all residential properties, which can indirectly affect occupancy based on room size, emergency exits, and other safety considerations.
Local Ordinance Links:
5. Key Considerations for Investors
What is the investment potential regulation score in Houston?
Houston provides favorable conditions for short-term rental (STR) investments due to the lack of a formal permit requirement and minimal zoning restrictions, as Houston does not enforce traditional zoning laws. However, investors should be mindful of neighborhood-specific restrictions, as deed restrictions or HOA rules can limit STR operations in certain subdivisions. Compliance with these community standards is essential to avoid penalties.
Are there any recent changes in STR regulations in Houston that could impact the market?
Houston is actively considering regulatory changes for STRs, including a potential registration or permit system, anticipated by late 2024. Investors should monitor these developments, as new regulations could impact the STR market by introducing registration requirements and formalizing compliance standards.
6. Taxes and Financial Obligations
Tax Breakdown:
- Occupancy Tax Rate: 17% (6% state hotel occupancy tax, 7% city hotel occupancy tax, 2% Harris County hotel occupancy tax, 2% Harris County-Houston Sports Authority tax).
- Who Collects the Tax: For hosts registered with a platform like Airbnb, the platform files a single tax report covering all registered STR locations, without disclosing specific property locations in the filing. Alternatively, hosts who choose to register independently can file their own tax reports and manage payments directly to the city or state.
- Insurance Requirements: Houston does not have specific insurance requirements solely for short-term rentals (STRs). However, STR hosts are advised to carry adequate insurance to protect against potential risks, such as property damage, liability, and guest injuries.
- Payment Deadlines:
- Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax (6%): Monthly payments are due by the 20th of the following month for hosts collecting $500 or more in state hotel tax per month. Quarterly payments are due by the 20th of the month following each quarter for those collecting less than $500 per month.
- City of Houston Hotel Occupancy Tax (7%): Payments are typically due on the 20th of each month following the month in which the taxes were collected.
- Harris County Hotel Occupancy Tax (2%) and Sports Authority Tax (2%): Payments are generally due monthly by the 20th of the following month.
7. How Chalet Can Help
- Local Realtor Partnerships:
Looking to invest in short-term rental properties? Chalet’s nationwide network of specialized realtors is here to guide you. Our experts understand the nuances of vacation rentals and local markets, helping you identify high-ROI properties and navigate complex regulations with ease. Best of all, their services come at no extra cost to you. Click here to connect for free.
- Chalet’s Regulation Updates:
Chalet email subscribers receive updates regarding regulatory changes in cities. Subscribe here!
- Connect with Local Experts:
At Chalet, our goal is to enable everyone to create wealth with short-term rentals. We bring the experience and expertise to optimize your rental property. Connect with a STR professional in your area here.
Recommended Tools and Resources
- Chalet STR Market Insights Tool
Chalet offers a free market analytics tool that allows investors to explore detailed data on occupancy rates, average daily rates, revenue estimates, and market trends for specific cities. This tool helps investors make informed decisions based on comprehensive insights. Access the STR Market Insights Tool.
- Airbnb Income Guide
Investors can dive into this guide to better understand how to maximize income from STRs. It covers critical aspects such as dynamic pricing, guest management, and how to boost profitability through effective listing strategies. Read the Comprehensive Guide to Airbnb Income.
- Chalet Investor Guides
These investor guides provide city-specific insights, including tax obligations, regulations, investment potential, and detailed market data. Investors can select from over 200 city guides to find data tailored to their target market. Explore Investor Guides.
- AI-Powered Market Comparison Dashboard
Chalet’s market comparison dashboard offers a powerful tool for comparing different STR markets based on yield, occupancy rates, and other key performance indicators. This tool is particularly useful for investors looking to diversify across different regions. Check out the Market Dashboard.
- Chalet STR Calculator
The free Chalet STR Calculator is a powerful tool designed to help short-term rental investors evaluate potential property performance with ease. It enables users to estimate revenue, analyze expenses, and project profitability for any STR market, streamlining investment decisions. Whether you’re comparing properties or exploring new opportunities, the Chalet STR Calculator simplifies the process with precision. Learn more about the Chalet STR Calculator.
DISCLAIMER: The information provided in these guides is for entertainment and general informational purposes only. It may not reflect the most up-to-date regulations, and Chalet is not responsible for any inaccuracies or changes to the information on third-party sites. These guides are not legal advice. We highly recommend verifying details directly with local authorities and consulting professionals before making any investment decisions. Ultimately, it is your responsibility as an investor to ensure compliance with local laws.
