Thinking about listing your Bellaire home on a short-term rental platform? You want clear rules, not guesswork, before you host your first guest. This quick guide explains what the City of Bellaire currently requires, how taxes work, what HOAs can restrict, and how to stay ahead of any rule changes. Let’s dive in.
What Bellaire allows today
Bellaire has discussed short-term rental rules, but the city has not adopted a dedicated STR ordinance or permit program as of the latest local reporting. The city instead enforces existing codes like building and housing standards, certificate of occupancy requirements, and nuisance laws. You should expect to follow the same rules that apply to any rental and stay alert for future council action. You can review the council’s prior discussion in the official meeting record from August 2021.
Certificates and inspections
If you rent out your property, make sure it meets Bellaire’s applicable rental-housing and building codes. Properties may need a certificate of occupancy and inspections before being leased. The city’s Development Services and Code Compliance teams handle these requirements and enforcement.
Noise, parking, and nuisance rules
Standard municipal rules apply to guests, whether a stay is two nights or two months. That includes noise limits, trash and recycling schedules, and parking rules. Repeated complaints can lead to fines or other enforcement under Bellaire Code Compliance.
Taxes you must handle
The Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax generally applies to stays of 29 days or less. The state rate is typically 6 percent, and you are responsible for collecting and remitting unless your platform collects for you. Review the Texas Comptroller’s guidance on responsibilities and registration in the HOT FAQ.
Cities and counties may also impose local lodging taxes. Because platform collection varies by location, confirm whether any local tax applies to your Bellaire property and who remits it. When in doubt, verify with the Texas Comptroller and the City of Bellaire.
HOA and deed restrictions
Many Bellaire properties are governed by deed restrictions or an HOA. In Texas, HOAs often have authority to regulate or prohibit short-term rentals when their governing documents allow it. Before you list, review your recorded CC&Rs and any HOA rules, and seek clarification if anything is unclear. For a helpful overview of HOA powers and limits, see this summary on HOAs and STRs in Texas.
Regional momentum that could affect Bellaire
Nearby cities have strengthened STR oversight in recent years. For example, Houston approved a citywide STR registration ordinance in April 2025, with reporting and enforcement measures described in regional coverage. As neighboring programs roll out, Bellaire could revisit its own approach. Monitoring city agendas and public notices is smart if you plan to host.
Practical checklist for Bellaire hosts
- Confirm the latest city stance by checking Development Services and Code Compliance and reviewing council agendas.
- Secure any required certificate of occupancy or rental approvals before you host. The council record provides context on current practice here.
- Verify taxes. Check whether your platform collects state HOT and any local lodging tax. If not, register and remit per the Texas Comptroller’s HOT FAQ.
- Review HOA and deed restrictions for STR rules, and get written clarification if needed. See the Texas HOA overview here.
- Prioritize safety. Install and maintain smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguishers, and clear egress. Many Texas cities set minimums similar to those outlined in Austin’s STR program.
- Post clear house rules on noise, parking, and trash, and list a 24/7 local contact who can respond fast to concerns. Regional enforcement trends are summarized in this Houston-area report.
- Review your insurance and lender requirements. Short-term rentals may need specific coverage or endorsements. A Texas-focused overview is available here.
When enforcement happens
Even without a special STR permit, the city can cite issues like noise, parking, trash, or unsafe conditions. Repeated complaints increase the risk of fines or orders to fix the problem. If Bellaire later adopts a registration program, additional penalties or revocation could apply. For current procedures, start with Code Compliance.
How to stay current
- Check the City of Bellaire website for Development Services updates, Code Compliance guidance, and council agendas.
- Review the Texas Comptroller’s HOT FAQ each quarter to confirm tax and platform collection changes.
- If you are in an HOA, request a current, recorded copy of your CC&Rs and any STR-related rules before accepting short bookings.
If you are weighing STR income against a traditional lease or a sale, you deserve a clear read on the local landscape and your property’s best path. For tailored advice on your Bellaire or inner-loop strategy, connect with Shelley Stone.
FAQs
Are short-term rentals legal in Bellaire right now?
- Bellaire has not adopted a citywide STR permit or licensing program per recent public records; you must still follow existing rental, occupancy, and nuisance codes and any HOA rules, as reflected in the city’s council record.
What hotel taxes apply to a Bellaire Airbnb stay?
- Texas generally charges a 6 percent state Hotel Occupancy Tax on stays of 29 days or less; platforms sometimes collect for you, so confirm responsibilities in the Texas Comptroller’s HOT FAQ.
Do I need a special Bellaire permit to host?
- There is no dedicated STR permit reported; ensure you meet rental-housing requirements like any needed certificate of occupancy and comply with Code Compliance.
Can my HOA restrict short-term rentals in Bellaire?
- Often yes, if the HOA’s governing documents allow it; review your CC&Rs and see this Texas-focused overview on HOAs and STRs.
How could Houston’s new STR rules affect Bellaire owners?
- Regional registration and enforcement efforts, like Houston’s 2025 action, may increase oversight pressure and prompt Bellaire to revisit its policies; see the regional report.
