Airbnb announced it has been collecting and remitting $13.5 billion in tourism taxes on behalf of hosts worldwide. In Texas, as of 2024, Airbnb has generated $105 million, with $35 million of that coming from Houston alone.

On April 3, the city council will vote on a new ordinance that could reshape how platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo operate.

“We don’t want to ban short-term rentals because that would be illegal and unconstitutional," Houston Council Member Julian Ramirez said. "What we want to do is get at the bad actors, the folks who are not following the rules."

From June 2023 to June 2024, more than 60,000 calls have been made to 911 within 300 feet of a short-term rental.

Many Houston residents have voiced their frustrations with short-term rentals being used as party houses, and a city council member is looking to educate and inform so homeowners have the legal tools necessary to fight back.

District F Council Member Thomas says she wants to bridge the educational gap by holding a workshop Saturday where homeowners can learn how to combat, through legal means, the growing number of short-term rentals used for house parties in their areas.

Many Houston residents have voiced their frustrations with short-term rentals being used as party houses, and a city council member is looking to educate and inform so homeowners have the legal tools necessary to fight back.