HOUSTON – With rain in the forecast this Memorial Day weekend, some Houstonians may turn to short-term rentals to keep gatherings indoors.
But local officials and rental platforms say the rules surrounding so-called “party houses” are getting stricter.
The City of Houston approved new short-term rental regulations in 2025, with enforcement beginning this year.
The rules require many short-term rentals to register with the city, provide a 24-hour emergency contact and comply with regulations aimed at preventing large parties and nuisance complaints.
At the same time, companies like Airbnb and VRBO say they are increasing efforts to prevent high-risk bookings during major holiday weekends.
“It’s all with the aim of reducing the risk of disruptive and unauthorized parties,” said Airbnb spokesperson Javier Hernandez.
Airbnb said it is activating its anti-party technology system for Memorial Day weekend. The company said the system uses “hundreds of different signals” to determine whether a booking could be considered higher risk for disruptive parties, including the length of stay, type of booking and whether it is last-minute.
Airbnb said more than 1,600 bookings were blocked or redirected across Texas during holiday weekends last year, including 325 in Houston.
“We want to make sure that folks are enjoying the weekend responsibly and that a host can trust when they’re welcoming guests,” Hernandez said.
VRBO told KPRC 2 it also uses technology and mitigation strategies to help prevent unauthorized parties and disruptive events.
The renewed focus comes as Houston continues to deal with complaints tied to short-term rentals in some neighborhoods.
KPRC 2 has previously reported on several cases involving short-term rental complaints, including a Montrose Airbnb known by neighbors as the “Montrose Grand House.”
“Blaring music up and down the street, drag racing, hooting and hollering,” Montrose resident Gretchen Shupe previously told KPRC 2 while describing activity near the property.
That rental listing was later suspended.
Council Member Mary Nan Huffman, who represents District G, said the city is closely monitoring nuisance activity tied to short-term rentals during the holiday weekend.
“The Houston Police Department will be out in full force working to keep our community safe,” Huffman said in a statement to KPRC 2. “We will also be monitoring any nuisance short-term rental activity.”
The Mayor’s Office also emphasized the city’s complaint system for residents concerned about problem properties.
“We want people to know that there is a system in place that encourages communities to work together to ensure bad actors are reported to authorities,” the office said in part.
Residents can view the city’s online map of registered short-term rentals and file complaints through Houston’s code enforcement system or hotline here:
Officials say residents should call law enforcement first if there is an immediate danger or emergency.