Houston Code of Ordinances § 28-721 Definitions.
Sec. 28-721. - Definitions.
As used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the meanings ascribed to them in this section, unless the context of their usage clearly indicates another meaning:
Applicant means the owner and/or operator of a short-term rental who applies for a certificate of registration pursuant to the requirements of this article.
Certificate of registration means a current and valid certificate issued by the director pursuant to this article to the owner or operator of a short-term rental.
Director means the director of administration and regulatory affairs or the director's designee.
Dwelling unit means a structure, or an area within a structure, designed or used as living quarters for a single family or the equivalent thereof. A dwelling unit includes a single-family residence, and each unit of an apartment, duplex, or multiple dwelling structure designed as a separate habitation for one or more persons.
Emergency condition means any fire, natural disaster, power outage, gas leak, noise violation, or medical emergency. The term shall also include the following crimes occurring at the short-term rental: murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, narcotics offenses (restricted to those of delivery, possession, or manufacture), human trafficking offenses, weapons offenses, prostitution offenses, arson, vandalism, gambling offenses, and disorderly conduct.
Occupant means any individual who rents or occupies a short-term rental during a rental period, including their invited guests.
Operator means the individual who operates or otherwise manages a short-term rental, which may be the owner or the authorized agent of the owner.
Owner means any person or entity who has a legal or equitable interest in the property used as a short-term rental or who is recorded in the official records of the county as holding title to the property used as a short-term rental.
Platform means a listing service, internet website, mobile application, or other digital platform that receives a fee or otherwise financially benefits, directly or indirectly, for facilitating short term rental booking transactions. The term "platform" shall not include a multiple listing services internet website, mobile application, or other digital platform for licensed real estate professionals that does not facilitate short term rental booking transactions.
Registrant means any person, partnership, corporation, firm, joint venture, limited liability company, association, organization or any other entity holding a certificate of registration issued pursuant to this article.
Short-term rental means a dwelling unit or any portion of a dwelling unit that is rented out or offered to be rented out for a period of less than 30 consecutive days. The term "short term rental" shall not include: (1) a boarding home, as defined in article XIV of this chapter, (2) a bed and breakfast, as defined in article II, chapter 20 of this Code; (3) hotel, as defined in article VI of this chapter, (4) a lodging facility, as defined in article XVIII of this chapter, (5) an alternate housing facility, as defined in article IV, chapter 28 of this Code, (6) buildings providing sleeping facilities primarily for the purpose of rendering services regulated by a department or agency of the federal government or of the State of Texas (including, but not limited to, the Texas Department of State Health Services); or (7) a leaseback arrangement under which the seller of a home leases the home back from the purchaser.
(Ord.No. 2025-322, § 2(Exh. A), 4-16-2025, eff. 1-1-2026)