🎯 STRisker: Bulletin - Houston, TX

A Deep Dive into Your Area’s STR Updates—Helping You Navigate the Ever-Changing Rental Landscape.

Houston Takes the First Step in Regulating Short-Term Rentals, but Enforcement Is Still Key

After months of debate, Houston has passed its first-ever short-term rental (STR) ordinance, setting clear guidelines for operators and introducing new regulations aimed at protecting neighborhoods from disruptive party houses. However, with mixed reactions from both the community and operators, one key element remains: enforcement.

Council Member Julian Ramirez reiterated that for the new regulations to be effective, they must be enforced. Ramirez said -

“There are going to be a lot of people who aren’t satisfied, but this is a process. Acknowledging that the ordinance may not be perfect but is a step toward addressing issues like noise and safety concerns."

The ordinance which will go into effect on January 1, 2026 introduces a series of requirements for STR operators, including a $275 annual fee per unit, mandatory training on human and sex trafficking awareness, and the listing of an emergency contact who must respond to complaints within one hour. For those who don’t comply, the city now has the authority to remove all of an operator’s listings from online platforms if they have had at least three registrations revoked within a two-year period.

While many believe this ordinance is a step in the right direction, some operators, like Sebastien Long, worry that the regulations could drive up costs and make it harder to run their businesses. Long, who operates rentals for business travelers and cancer patients, stated,

“This is better than what other cities have done, but it can still be made better.”

One of the biggest wins for operators was the removal of restrictions on short-term rentals in multifamily developments, a move that was seen as overly restrictive. Long and others argued that party houses are more likely to be found in large homes with amenities like pools, not in smaller apartment buildings.

The new ordinance has garnered support from residents who have long struggled with noisy or disruptive STRs, but enforcement remains a critical concern. Council Member Twila Carter highlighted the challenge of ensuring that complaints lead to tangible consequences. If the city’s code enforcement and police aren’t equipped to handle the volume of complaints, even the best regulations may fall short.

Ultimately, the success of this ordinance will depend on Houston’s ability to follow through on enforcement. As Council Member Abbie Kamin said,

This is just the “first stab” at addressing STR issues in the city, and adjustments may be made as the implementation phase rolls out."