Houston vs Washington DC
Texas Legal with Permit | District of Columbia Legal but Limited
Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.
| Requirement | Houston, Texas | Washington DC, District of Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Legality Status | Legal with Permit | Legal but Limited |
| Permit Fee | $90 registration fee | $104.50 for 2-year license |
| Tax Rate | 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state) | 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax) |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit | 90 days/year |
| Renewal Interval | Annual | Every 2 years |
| Platform Remits Taxes | Yes | Yes |
| Max Fine Example | $500/day for non-compliance | $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation |
| Verdict | Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall. | |
Houston, Texas
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $90 registration fee
Tax Rate 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500/day for non-compliance
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $104.50 for 2-year license
Tax Rate 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax)
Day Limit 90 days/year
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation
Houston has more favorable STR regulations overall.
Houston Overview
Houston has no zoning code, so STRs are broadly permitted. Hosts must register, collect HOT, and meet fire-safety and parking standards. Deed-restricted communities may impose additional restrictions.
Full Houston guide →Washington DC Overview
Primary residence only (must qualify for Homestead Deduction). Hosted stays have no day cap. Vacation rentals (unhosted) capped at 90 nights/year. Must carry $250K liability insurance.
Full Washington DC guide →Frequently Asked Questions
Is it easier to Airbnb in Houston or Washington DC?
Houston is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Washington DC is "Legal but Limited." Houston's permit fee is $90 registration fee compared to $104.50 for 2-year license in Washington DC.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Houston or Washington DC?
Houston charges 13% Hotel Occupancy Tax (7% city + 6% state), while Washington DC charges 14.5% combined (sales tax on accommodations + transient lodging tax). Compare the full breakdown in the table above.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Houston: $500/day for non-compliance. Washington DC: $500 first violation; $2,000 second; $6,000 third + license revocation.