Overview: Are Short-Term Rentals Allowed in Bryan, TX?

Yes, short-term rentals are allowed in Bryan, Texas. The City of Bryan explicitly regulates and permits short-term rental operations, requiring compliance with Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) obligations. As of recent city council action, Bryan has moved to formalize STR regulations and implement a comprehensive registration and tax collection system. The city estimates approximately 300 STR properties currently operating within city limits.

How to Start a Short-Term Rental Business in Bryan, TX

Starting an STR in Bryan requires several key steps:

1. Initial Registration

• Register your property through the City's GovOS online system
• Wait for your registration letter from the City of Bryan (typically sent during the first week of November)
• Create your GovOS account using the provided activation code and account number

2. Understanding Tax Obligations

• Hotel Occupancy Tax rate: 7% of gross short-term rents
• Tax base: Includes all consideration for occupancy, including non-optional fees (booking fees, cleaning fees, pet charges, extra vehicle/people fees)
• Separate taxation: Local City of Bryan occupancy taxes are remitted separately from Brazos County and State of Texas taxes

3. Filing Requirements

• Monthly filing: Required unless qualifying for quarterly status
• Due date: 20th day of the month following the end of the prior calendar month
• Zero-file option: Required even if no rental activity occurred during the reporting period

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Primary Requirements:

1. GovOS Registration Account

   • Unique activation code and 6-digit account number
   • Property/business connection in the system
   • User authentication and profile creation

2. Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration

   • City of Bryan registration letter
   • Business profile information
   • Property-specific details

3. Monthly/Quarterly Tax Filings

   • Completed HOT remittance forms
   • Gross rental income documentation
   • Payment processing (ACH/e-check or credit card)

Qualifying for Quarterly Filing:

• Monthly threshold: Owe less than $500 per calendar month
• Quarterly threshold: Owe less than $1,500 per calendar quarter
• Zero-activity requirement: Still must submit completed zero-file HOT form

Specific Regulations for Short-Term Rentals

City of Bryan (Municipal Level):

• Definition: Any property or part of a property rented for 30 days or less at a time
• Tax rate: 7% on gross short-term rents
• Platform coverage: Includes Airbnb, VRBO, HomeAway, and similar platforms
• Intermediary considerations: Tax applies to amounts received from lodging intermediaries
• Property types: Homes, apartments, garage apartments, backyard cottages, and other residential units

Brazos County (County Level):

• Separate county occupancy taxes apply in addition to city taxes
• County rates and requirements should be confirmed with Brazos County tax authorities

State of Texas (State Level):

• State hotel occupancy tax applies to short-term rentals
• State rate: 6% hotel occupancy tax
• Platform agreements: Some companies (like Airbnb) have agreements with the State of Texas to collect and remit the appropriate 6% state tax

Operating Procedures and Best Practices

GovOS System Usage:

• Portal access: bryantx.munirevs.com
• Account management: Property managers can handle multiple properties under one login
• Payment options: ACH Debit/e-check (preferred), Visa, Mastercard, Discover
• No fees: No payment processing fees for credit card or e-check payments

Guest Experience Requirements:

• Informational materials: Provide guests with neighborhood information and emergency contacts
• Property standards: Maintain units in compliance with applicable city codes
• Safety equipment: Install working smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors (if using gas/propane), and fire extinguishers

Contact Information (Local Authority)

Primary Contact:

City of Bryan Fiscal Services Department

• Phone: (979) 209-5080
• Email: govos@bryantx.gov
• Mailing Address:
  • City of Bryan
  • P.O. Box 1000
  • Bryan, TX 77805
• Physical Address:
  • City of Bryan
  • 300 S. Texas Ave.
  • Bryan, TX 77803
• Main Phone: 979-209-5000

Technical Support (GovOS System):

• Phone: 1-888-751-1911
• Email: blt.str.support@govos.com
• Support Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Alternative Support: support@govos.com

Code Enforcement (Compliance Issues):

• Phone: Contact through main city number (979) 209-5000
• Report Issues: Use online "Report Issue" system through city website

Links to Source Pages

• City of Bryan STR/HOT Information: www.bryantx.gov/fiscal-services/occupancytax/
• GovOS Registration Portal: bryantx.munirevs.com/
• City of Bryan Main Website: www.bryantx.gov/
• News Coverage of STR Ordinance: wtaw.com/bryan-city-council-agrees-to-create-short-term-rental-ordinance/

Important Notes for Investors

• Revenue recovery: The city estimates losing $250,000-$400,000 annually in HOT revenue from unregulated STR properties
• Competitive fairness: Implementation aims to level the playing field with local hotels and compliant operators
• Ongoing compliance: City continues to monitor and develop STR regulations
• Partnership opportunities: Compliant STR operators may access additional resources through Destination Bryan

Additional Resources

• Destination Bryan (Tourism Board): www.destinationbryan.com/
• Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce: www.bcschamber.org/
• City Permits Information: www.bryantx.gov/permits/
• Report Issues/Violations: docs.bryantx.gov/helpbryan/

This guide is based on information available as of 2025. Investors should verify current requirements and contact the City of Bryan directly for the most up-to-date regulations and compliance requirements.