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

Short‑term rentals are permitted in Texas, including in the City of Pecos (Reeves County), subject to state hotel occupancy tax (HOT) obligations and local zoning and code requirements. The provided sources do not contain city‑specific rules for Pecos; therefore, this guide relies on Texas‑wide frameworks and notes where local verification is necessary. Investors must confirm any Pecos‑specific zoning, registration, or permit requirements and any local HOT rates before operations.

How to Start a Short‑Term Rental Business in Pecos

1. Confirm zoning and occupancy

• Determine whether your property is in a zoning district that allows transient lodging or short‑term rentals.
• Verify minimum parking, access, and life‑safety requirements.
• Review HOA/POA or condo association rules if applicable (not provided in sources).

2. Meet tax obligations

• Register for Texas state and any applicable local hotel occupancy taxes.
• Set up remittance cadence (monthly/quarterly) with the Texas Comptroller and local tax authority.
• Confirm the correct local HOT rate for Pecos with the city or county.

3. Prepare and list

• Draft house rules and safety protocols; install required safety devices where applicable (e.g., smoke/CO detectors).
• Establish booking terms, cancellation policies, and housekeeping standards.
• List on platforms while ensuring booking records and guest logs are maintained for tax reporting.

4. Operate and remit

• Maintain an audit‑ready record of gross receipts and nights sold.
• File and pay HOT on time; preserve documentation (reservations, payments, remittance records).

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

• State tax registration and filings
  • Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (state rate 6%): obtain any required Comptroller accounts and file remittances as required. (Texas Comptroller guidance cited in sources)
• Local tax registration and filings (if applicable)
  • City or county HOT registration and remittance. Verify Pecos’ local HOT rate and filing cadence with the city or county.
• Zoning confirmation
  • Written confirmation from the City of Pecos or Reeves County planning/zoning that short‑term rental use is allowed at the subject address.
• Insurance and liability
  • Property and liability coverage appropriate for transient lodging; confirm carrier requirements for STR operations.
• Safety and code compliance
  • Confirm life‑safety devices and inspection requirements with local authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ).
• Recordkeeping
  • Guest logs, reservation records, and receipts aligned with HOT reporting periods.

Specific Regulations for Short‑Term Rentals: City/County/State

• State (Texas)
  • Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) applies to the rental of rooms or spaces for fewer than 30 days in a dwelling (as referenced by state Comptroller guidance). The standard state rate is 6%; local jurisdictions may impose additional HOT.
• County (Reeves County)
  • No county‑specific STR ordinance is included in the provided sources. Reeves County may administer county HOT; confirm rate and remittance directly.
• City (Pecos, TX)
  • No Pecos‑specific STR ordinance text is included in the provided sources. Check the City of Pecos code of ordinances and municipal zoning for any registration, cap, inspection, or operational rules. The Municode link for Pecos is included in sources but not accessible in the content provided.

Sources to confirm local rules:

• library.municode.com/tx/pecos_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_APXAZO

Note on 2018 THLA update: The Texas Hotel & Lodging Association’s 2018 update documents that municipalities across Texas have adopted diverse STR policies (e.g., moratoria, bans, density caps, inspections). This underscores the need to verify Pecos’ current municipal stance even if not present in the provided sources.

Tax Obligation Overview (Texas)

• State HOT: 6% (apply to gross rental receipts for stays under 30 days).
• Local HOT: Additional local taxes may apply; exact rate for Pecos must be verified with the city/county.
• Sports/Community Venue taxes: Not referenced for Pecos; confirm if any apply locally.

Remittance: Register with the Texas Comptroller and file HOT according to your assigned cadence. Maintain guest and revenue records and remit on time to remain compliant.

Contact Information

Texas state guidance

• Texas Comptroller (Hotel Occupancy Tax)
  • Web: comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
  • Note: Phone/email not provided in the sources.

Local authority (City of Pecos)

• City of Pecos — City Secretary / City Hall (general municipal inquiries)
  • Address: 112 W 3rd St, Pecos, TX 79772
  • Phone: Not provided in the sources.
  • Website: Not provided in the sources.
  • Primary inquiry: Confirm any STR zoning/use registration and Pecos HOT rate and filing process.

County authority (Reeves County)

• Reeves County — County Judge/County Clerk
  • Address: 100 E 4th St, Pecos, TX 79772
  • Phone: Not provided in the sources.
  • Website: www.co.pecos.tx.us/
  • Primary inquiry: Confirm whether Reeves County administers a local HOT and the applicable rate and filing requirements.

Statewide industry resources

• Texas Hotel & Lodging Association (THLA)
  • Phone: 512‑474‑2996
  • Email: thla@texaslodging.com
  • Address: 1701 West Avenue, Austin, TX 78701
  • Website: texaslodging.com/ (2018 STR update)

Links to Source Pages

• City of Pecos Code of Ordinances (Municode)
  • library.municode.com/tx/pecos_city/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=PTIICOOR_APXAZO
• Texas Hotel & Lodging Association: Short‑Term Rental (STR) Update 2018
  • texaslodging.com/short-term-rental-str-update-2018/
• Zook Cabins: Tiny Home Regulations in Texas (state‑level context; not STR‑specific)
  • www.zookcabins.com/regulations/tiny-home-regulations-in-texas
• Reeves County Official Website
  • www.co.pecos.tx.us/

Practical Compliance Checklist (Before You List)

• Confirm zoning/use allowance with the City of Pecos or Reeves County planning department.
• Register for state HOT with the Texas Comptroller; determine filing cadence.
• Verify whether Pecos or Reeves County has a local HOT; obtain registration and rate information.
• Map guest‑facing policies to tax collection timing and reporting.
• Keep an itemized ledger of all reservations, nightly rates, and receipts.
• Set up a payment and remittance schedule; monitor due dates to avoid penalties.
• Review HOA/POA or condo association rules for additional constraints.

Important: Because the provided sources do not include Pecos‑specific STR ordinance text, confirm any city registration, caps, inspections, or local HOT details with the City of Pecos or Reeves County before commencing operations.