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If you rent out a home in College Station, you've probably seen the city make its rules stricter. If you haven't, well, surprise! The City of College Station isn't just telling landlords to be polite; it's also telling them to register, report, and sometimes even pay their taxes with the same excitement as an Aggie on game day.
Take a deep breath before you freak out. The city's recent push to enforce the rules isn't so much a crackdown as it is a structured reminder that managing rental property now comes with a little more paperwork and a lot more clarity. And yes, we're here to help you understand it all.
Key Takeaways
- The rental registration ordinance applies to all properties leased or rented in College Station, including single-family homes, multi-family units, short-term rentals, and vacation rentals.
- Short-term rental operators must obtain a permit, have it renewed annually, and collect hotel taxes and remit hotel occupancy taxes on a monthly basis.
- The city now actively enforces compliance, especially for STRs, life-safety equipment, and hotel occupancy taxes.
- Proper registration protects property owners, supports neighborhood integrity, and helps avoid an administrative penalty or summons request.
- Staying compliant is simple with the right property manager or property caretaker on your team.
Understanding College Station’s Rental Registration Program
The rental registration program is the city’s way of ensuring every rental property owner is operating legally and safely. It applies to single-family, multi-family units, six-plex dwelling units, vacation rentals, game day rentals, owner-occupied rentals, and just about any residential unit that houses tenants, whether rented to a family member, students, or visiting football fans.
The registration process requires applying online, listing tenant information, confirming local contact details, and verifying that the property meets applicable city codes. For landlords who worry that this means endless paperwork, don’t. Think of it as a valuable tool that helps protect your investment and streamline city communication.
The College Station City Council also uses data collected to understand the rental market, analyze properties rented, and maintain neighborhood integrity, a major priority in areas where houses rented near campus tend to see high turnover.
Short Term Rentals: Where Enforcement Is Getting Serious
If you’re operating short-term rentals, listen closely. STRs are receiving the bulk of new enforcement attention, and with good reason. The city wants STRs to be safe, regulated, and respectful of neighborhoods.
Here’s what short-term rental operators must do:
Obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit
This permit must be renewed annually, and it applies whether the owner resides in the home (owner-occupied) or not.
Pay the Required Fees
This includes an initial application fee, inspection fee, and renewal fee.
Provide Life-Safety Essentials
Every STR must have:
- Smoke detectors
- Carbon monoxide detectors
- One fire extinguisher
- Working life safety equipment that passes inspection
Give Guests an Informational Brochure
This must include pertinent neighborhood information, local emergency numbers, and city rules.
Register and Pay All Required Taxes
STR operators must collect hotel taxes, remit hotel occupancy taxes, and report them monthly.
If the city determines a rental is operating without proper permits, documentation, or appropriate taxes, the owner may face a fine or administrative penalty. In some cases, the city may even revoke the rental’s ability to operate.
Hotel Occupancy Taxes: What Property Owners Must Know
Under state law, hotel occupancy taxes and specifically local hotel occupancy taxes apply to all public rental sleeping accommodations rented for less than 30 days.
That includes:
- STRs
- Vacation homes
- Houses leased for game-day weekends
- Sleeping rooms are not part of student dormitories operated by universities
- Public rent in any setting where a consideration is paid grants someone a place to stay
In other words, these local hotel taxes apply whether or not you think of yourself as running a "hotel." If people pay to sleep there, hotel taxes and state tax laws apply.
The city requires STR owners to remit payment, track taxes collected, and stay aligned with the state’s tax code and tax code requirements. Because the tax covers hotels and STRs, the burden falls on the property owners, not the guests, to file documents with the city.
Failing to remit hotel occupancy taxes may result in penalties or an audit from the College Station City Hall.
Why This Matters for Neighborhoods and the Rental Market
The city wants to protect both long-term residents and investors by:
- Preventing unchecked STR expansion
- Reducing nuisance complaints
- Preserving neighborhood quality
- Ensuring that every rental property meets basic safety and operational standards
When rentals follow city ordinance and ordinance permits, neighborhoods experience fewer code violations, and landlords avoid costly enforcement actions.
The city also wants clarity around who owns what, who lives where, and whether a property caretaker lives onsite. This matters for deciding whether a rental qualifies for a homestead exemption, as well as identifying the hotel's owner responsible for compliance.
FAQ: Your Rental Registration and STR Questions Answered
1. Does rental registration apply to all properties, even single-family homes?
Yes. All single-family homes, multi-family units, and STRs must register if they are leased or not rented at any point for income.
2. Do I have to register if a family member stays in the home?
If there is consideration paid (even informally), the city may still classify it as a rental property. If it's purely familial with no payment, registration is usually not required.
3. What if the owner resides in the home?
Owner-occupied STRs still require short-term rental registration, safety inspections, and tax compliance.
4. Are STRs required to pay local hotel taxes?
Yes. STRs must collect hotel taxes and remit payment under local hotel taxes and the state’s tax code.
5. What happens if I don’t comply?
You may receive a summons request, fines, or an administrative penalty, and the city may suspend your ability to operate.
Your Compliance Roadmap Starts Here
Staying compliant with College Station’s rental rules isn’t just about avoiding fines; it’s about protecting your investment, safeguarding tenants, and keeping neighborhoods strong. With more enforcement underway, now is the time for every landlord, investor, and property manager to ensure their rentals are up to code, properly registered, and paying the correct taxes.
If you want a smoother way to navigate these updates, Texas Prime Real Estate can help. We understand rental registration, inspections, taxes, and ongoing compliance, so you don’t have to stress over city deadlines or forms. Whether you manage multiple leased residential units or a portfolio of short-term rentals, we’re here to help you stay on track and protect your bottom line.
Ready to Stay Compliant and Confident?
Let’s make rental ownership easier. Explore our services, schedule a free consultation, or visit Texas Prime Real Estate to see how we support landlords across College Station.
