Texas Short-Term Rental Rules
Airbnb / VRBO licensing requirements, taxes, and restrictions.
Texas State-Level Rules
| State Regulated | City/County Level Only |
|---|---|
| Occupancy Tax | Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) — 6% state; cities add 7% (Austin, Houston). Total typically 15-17%. |
| Airbnb Collects Tax | Yes — auto-remitted |
| Preemption | HB 1554 (2023): cities cannot ban STRs but can regulate. Case law evolving. |
No statewide STR law. Texas has preempted cities from banning STRs outright in some circumstances, but Austin, San Antonio, and Houston have licensing requirements. HOA restrictions still apply.
Action Items
- Airbnb/VRBO collect and remit occupancy taxes automatically: Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) — 6% state; cities add 7% (Austin, Houston). Total typically 15-17%.
- No specific city data found. Check your city/county government website for STR regulations.
This tool provides general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. It reflects STATE-level statutes only — your city or county may add requirements (local rent control, just-cause eviction, rental registration, or longer notice periods). Self-help evictions — changing locks, removing doors, or shutting off utilities — are illegal in most states; eviction must go through the court. For your specific situation, consult a licensed attorney in your state.