In a nutshell
Taking effect Jan. 1, the ordinance will make it unlawful to operate an STR without a valid registration certificate, which costs $275 annually, with the city’s Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department.
The ordinance would also allow Houston to enforce other regulations such as:
- Noise and sound regulations
- Building and neighborhood protection requirements
- Waste and litter requirements
- Fire code provisions
- Hotel Occupancy Tax payments
- Listing and notice requirements
- Emergency contact requirements
Registration certificates could be revoked for several reasons, including:
- If the owner or operator is convicted of a major criminal offense
- Multiple violations of the city’s sound ordinance
- Multiple nuisance violations
- Building code violations
- Failure to pay HOTs
STRs are typically found on platforms such as Airbnb. The ordinance defines STRs as “dwelling units” or any portion of a dwelling unit that is rented out for less than 30 consecutive days, excluding hotels, bed and breakfasts, and any other group homes.
In Bellaire, West University and Meyerland, there were approximately 1,096 listings as of October, according to previous Community Impact reporting. As of April 16, Houston overall has over 14,600 listings, according to AirDNA, a company that analyzes short-term rental data.
Houston officials began discussions on regulating STRs when nearly 40 residents had complaints on the subject after a public comment session in March 2024, leading to council members Sallie Alcorn and Amy Peck requesting the administration to evaluate the feasibility of registering STRs in Houston, according to previous reporting.
What they’re saying
Council member Twila Carter said while she supports the ordinance, she believes the Houston Police Department and the Administration and Regulatory Affairs Department don’t have enough resources for these regulations and enforcement.
“I believe that it’s now created another layer of heavy lifting on a previously strapped department, as well as our law enforcement,” she said.
Council member Julian Ramirez said this ordinance is necessary as the city hasn’t been adequately enforcing its noise ordinance. He also said council can bring the ordinance back later if they want to make it stronger.
“We have to enforce this now,” Ramirez said. “If we don’t take the steps necessary to enforce it, then people will still be unhappy.”
Council member Letitia Plummer recommends the creation of a task force with STR operators and owners who can bring their lived experience to share how this ordinance is positively or negatively affecting them.
