Texas Vacation Rental Agreement Overview
Texas imposes a 6% state hotel occupancy tax, and local governments add taxes pushing combined rates to 13-17%. Austin banned non-owner-occupied STRs in residential zones in 2022. San Antonio and Houston require permitting.
Varies; Austin, San Antonio, Houston require permi
STR license
6% state hotel occupancy tax + local (total 13-17%
Occupancy tax / TOT
Austin banned Type 2 STRs in residential
Maximum stay
HOAs may restrict
HOA restrictions
Texas Short-Term Rental Requirements
Operating a vacation rental in Texas requires compliance with state and local regulations. Here are the key requirements for TX short-term rental hosts:
Important: Check Local Texas Regulations
Short-term rental regulations in Texas can vary significantly by city and county. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property. Regulations may include permit requirements, occupancy limits, parking rules, noise ordinances, and safety inspections.
- STR License/Permit: Varies; Austin, San Antonio, Houston require permits — check with your local city/county government
- Tax Registration: Register with the Texas Department of Revenue to collect and remit occupancy taxes
- Safety Requirements: Working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and posted emergency exit routes
- Insurance: Obtain short-term rental or commercial liability insurance — standard homeowner's policies may not cover STR activity
- HOA/Condo Rules: HOAs may restrict — review your CC&Rs before listing
How to Fill Out a Texas Vacation Rental Agreement
Follow these steps to properly complete your Texas vacation rental agreement. Our template guides you through each section to ensure compliance with TX requirements.
Enter Host and Guest Information
Include the host's full legal name and contact information, and the primary guest's name, address, phone number, and email. The primary guest is responsible for all terms of the agreement.
Describe the Rental Property
Provide the complete Texas property address, property type, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, maximum occupancy, and included amenities (parking, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, kitchen, laundry).
Set Check-In/Check-Out and Rental Rates
Specify check-in date and time, check-out date and time, nightly rate, cleaning fee, Texas occupancy taxes, and total amount due. Include payment schedule and accepted payment methods.
Define Cancellation Policy and Damage Deposit
Establish cancellation tiers (full refund, partial refund, no refund deadlines), damage deposit amount, conditions for deductions, and refund timeline after checkout.
Include Texas House Rules
Set maximum occupancy, quiet hours, smoking policy, pet policy, parking instructions, pool/hot tub rules, trash procedures, and a no-parties/no-events clause.
Sign and Distribute
Both host and guest should sign and date the agreement. Electronic signatures are valid in Texas under the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act. Provide a copy to the guest before or at check-in.
Texas Occupancy Taxes & Fees
Texas imposes taxes on short-term accommodations that hosts must collect and remit. Here's a summary of the tax obligations for TX vacation rental operators:
| Tax / Fee | Rate / Amount |
|---|---|
| Occupancy / Lodging Tax | 6% state hotel occupancy tax + local (total 13-17%) |
| STR License/Permit Fee | Varies by municipality |
| Business License | May be required — check local requirements |
| Platform Collection | Some platforms collect certain taxes automatically in TX |
Sample Texas Vacation Rental Agreement
Below is a preview of our Texas-specific vacation rental agreement.
STATE OF TEXAS
VACATION RENTAL AGREEMENT
Short-Term Rental Contract
HOST / PROPERTY OWNER:
Name: [Host Name]
Address: [Texas Address]
GUEST:
Name: [Guest Name]
Address: [Guest Address]
RENTAL PROPERTY
Address: [Texas Property Address]
Check-in: [Date/Time] Check-out: [Date/Time]
Nightly Rate: $[Rate] Total: $[Total]
Texas Vacation Rental Agreement FAQ
Answers to common questions about Texas vacation rental agreements, short-term rental regulations, and host obligations.
Official Texas Resources
Use these official resources for Texas short-term rental tax registration, licensing, and regulatory guidance.
Create your Texas Vacation Rental Lease Agreement in under 5 minutes.
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