LicensedRental

Texas county rules

Bell County, TX vacation rental rules and taxes

Bell County has no short-term rental rules of its own, but it reports a 2% county hotel tax, which Airbnb doesn’t collect. Killeen, Belton, Harker Heights, and Salado all require a city permit; Killeen and Harker Heights ask for drawings.

Checked against official sources November 8, 2026
Market
About 830 Airbnb listings
Killeen 319, Temple 292, Belton 120, Harker Heights 55, Salado 45 (AirROI).Source
County rental rules
None
Texas counties generally can’t zone.Source
County hotel tax
2%
Killeen’s FAQ includes it in the 15% total inside the city.Source

What to do

  1. Then your city

    Texas counties can’t zone, so rental rules come from the city your home is in. Outside city limits there’s usually no permit, but deed restrictions and HOA rules may limit rentals. Pick your city.Source

  2. Hotel taxes on each stay

    Stays of 29 nights or less owe the 6% state hotel tax, which Airbnb collects on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file it with the Texas Comptroller. Bell County reports a 2% hotel tax; Airbnb doesn’t collect it. Around Lake Belton and Stillhouse Hollow outside city limits, ask the county how to file.Source

Towns

Full guide

Belton

Every short-term rental in Belton needs a yearly city permit, and a rental you don’t live in can’t be within 500 feet of another. Belton amended its rules in April 2026. Stays owe 6% state, 7% city, and 2% county hotel tax, reported quarterly to the city.

Full guide

Harker Heights

Harker Heights requires short-term rentals to register with the city after fire marshal and building walk-throughs. You submit a site plan showing parking (one space per bedroom) and post exit routes in every bedroom. Stays owe 6% state, 7% city, and 2% county hotel tax, which you file yourself.

Full guide

Killeen

Killeen requires a yearly short-term rental permit ($200 with the inspection, then $100), $500,000 in liability insurance, a local contact who can be there within an hour, and a posted evacuation plan. Renewals need a floor plan showing bedrooms, exit routes, extinguishers, and smoke alarms. Stays owe 15% hotel tax (6% state, 7% city, 2% county); Airbnb collects only the state share.

Full guide

Salado

Salado requires a short-term rental permit inside the village and its extraterritorial jurisdiction: $200 the first year with a life safety inspection, then $100 a year. Stays owe 6% state, 7% village, and 2% county hotel tax.

Full guide

Temple

Temple requires short-term rental hosts to file the city’s 7% hotel tax monthly. We found no rental permit. Stays owe 6% state, 7% city, and 2% county hotel tax.

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.