HOUSTON \u2013 With rain in the forecast this Memorial Day weekend, some Houstonians may turn to short-term rentals to keep gatherings indoors. <\/p>\n
But local officials and rental platforms say the rules surrounding so-called \u201cparty houses\u201d are getting stricter.<\/p>\n
The City of Houston approved new short-term rental regulations in 2025, with enforcement beginning this year. <\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
At the same time, companies like Airbnb and VRBO say they are increasing efforts to prevent high-risk bookings during major holiday weekends.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s all with the aim of reducing the risk of disruptive and unauthorized parties,\u201d said Airbnb spokesperson Javier Hernandez.<\/p>\n
Airbnb said it is activating its anti-party technology system for Memorial Day weekend. The company said the system uses \u201chundreds of different signals\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
Airbnb said more than 1,600 bookings were blocked or redirected across Texas during holiday weekends last year, including 325 in Houston.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to make sure that folks are enjoying the weekend responsibly and that a host can trust when they\u2019re welcoming guests,\u201d Hernandez said.<\/p>\n
VRBO told KPRC 2 it also uses technology and mitigation strategies to help prevent unauthorized parties and disruptive events.<\/p>\n
The renewed focus comes as Houston continues to deal with complaints tied to short-term rentals in some neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
KPRC 2 has previously reported on several cases involving short-term rental complaints, including a Montrose Airbnb known by neighbors as the \u201cMontrose Grand House.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cBlaring music up and down the street, drag racing, hooting and hollering,\u201d Montrose resident Gretchen Shupe previously told KPRC 2 while describing activity near the property.<\/p>\n
That rental listing was later suspended.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Houston Police Department will be out in full force working to keep our community safe,\u201d Huffman said in a statement to KPRC 2. \u201cWe will also be monitoring any nuisance short-term rental activity.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Mayor\u2019s Office also emphasized the city\u2019s complaint system for residents concerned about problem properties.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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,\u201d the office said in part.<\/p>\n