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Houston City Council Approves Comprehensive Short-Term Rental Regulations

The new ordinance mandates property registration, annual fees, and stricter operational rules to address resident concerns over noise and safety.

Houston Mayor John Whitmire speaks during a meeting Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024, in the city council chambers at city hall. Houston City Council approved a series of sweeping changes to the city’s short-term rental laws Wednesday.
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Overview

  • Houston City Council unanimously passed an ordinance requiring short-term rental operators to register properties within 180 days and pay a $275 annual fee.
  • The ordinance introduces criteria for revoking registrations, including renter-related crimes such as firearm discharge, disorderly conduct, and repeated noise violations.
  • New operational requirements include mandatory annual human-trafficking training, 24-hour emergency contact availability, and a ban on advertising rentals as event spaces.
  • Violations of the ordinance are classified as misdemeanors with fines up to $500, and multi-property operators face stricter penalties for repeated violations.
  • Stakeholders, including Airbnb and local landlords, raised concerns about overreach, enforcement challenges, and the potential impact on property rights.