What should Huntsville hosts know about no specific str permit exists?

No specific STR permit exists, but registration for lodging taxes is mandatory.

What should Huntsville hosts know about the total tax rate is?

The total tax rate is 13% (7% City + 6% State).

What should Huntsville hosts know about many online sources confuse huntsville?

Many online sources confuse Huntsville, TX with Huntsville, AL, which has much stricter regulations.

Short-Term Rental Laws in Huntsville, TX

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Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Feb 4, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Huntsville, TX regulates short-term rentals primarily through the collection of a 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax, with no specific STR-only permit or zoning restrictions currently in effect.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 3 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Reporting required
•No STR-specific permit required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•No STR-specific fee
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

The City of Huntsville does not require a special permit to operate a short-term rental, but you must register with the city's Finance Department to pay the 7% local lodging tax. You also need to register with the Texas Comptroller to pay the 6% state hotel tax. Aside from these tax requirements, there are no specific limits on where you can host or how many guests you can have.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

•Huntsville allows tenants to host STRs.
•Huntsville does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Huntsville allows STRs in the following zones: All residential, Commercial.
•Huntsville allows STRs in the following property types: Single Family, Condo, Apartment, ADU.

Requirements(7)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Huntsville: 1. No specific STR permit exists, but registration for lodging taxes is mandatory. 2. The total tax rate is 13% (7% City + 6% State). 3. Many online sources confuse Huntsville, TX with Huntsville, AL, which has much stricter regulations.
•Huntsville does not require liability insurance for STR hosts, but it is strongly recommended.

Application Process(5)

•Huntsville STR permit - Step 2: Register with City Finance Department. Contact the City of Huntsville Finance Department to set up a local Hotel Occupancy Tax account for remitting the 7% city tax. Required documents: Property address, Owner contact information. Time: 1-2 weeks.

Taxes(2)

•Huntsville charges a Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.07%.
•Texas charges a state-level Transient Occupancy Tax of 0.06%.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Huntsville requires the following safety measures for STRs: noise restrictions (Standard city noise ordinance applies).

Penalties(1)

•Huntsville enforces the following penalties for STR violations: First violation: Interest and penalties on unpaid taxes. Subsequent violations: Potential legal action for non-payment.

Exemptions(1)

•Huntsville exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term stays (30+ days), Stays of 30 consecutive days or longer are exempt from HOT taxes.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Texas

Moderate

Dallas currently requires short-term rental registration and a 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax. While the city passed a strict ordinance in 2023 that would have banned STRs in single-family residential zones, a June 2024 court injunction has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing those zoning restrictions and certain operational rules.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rockport

Texas

Moderate

The City of Rockport requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit and undergo a safety inspection. Hosts must collect and remit a combined 10% local Hotel Occupancy Tax (8% City, 2% County) in addition to state taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

El Paso

Texas

Permissive

The City of El Paso does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental permit or ordinance. However, all hosts are legally required to register and remit a 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) to the city, in addition to Texas state-level taxes.

0.1% total tax

Frisco

Texas

Moderate

The City of Frisco requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual permit and pay a $300 fee. Hosts must collect and remit a 7% city occupancy tax monthly in addition to the 6% state tax. Regulations include mandatory safety equipment, emergency contact posting, and a prohibition on renting to individuals under 21 years of age.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Huntsville

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(4)

Requirements(7)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(2)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(1)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Huntsville

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

3 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Huntsville?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Huntsville?

3Are there zoning restrictions for Huntsville STRs?

4How do I register my Huntsville rental?

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