What is considered a Multi-family, Lodging Establishment, or Room/Boarding House?
  • multi-family complex means a building(s) containing three (3) or more dwelling units owned by the same person or entity on a single, platted lot. If the land on which the building(s) exist is not platted, it is still defined as a multi-family complex if any building(s) that provide three (3) or more dwelling units owned by the same person or entity are located on contiguous tracts of land.
  • lodging establishment means any building, complex of buildings, or any other facility in which the public may obtain sleeping accommodations. This term includes hotels, motels, condominiums, bed and breakfast establishments, inns, extended stays, trailer motels, apartments not occupied by permanent residents, vacation rentals, and all other facilities where rooms or sleeping facilities or space are furnished for accommodation. 
    • A "hotel" does not include hospitals, sanitariums, nursing homes, jails, prisons or detention centers,  college dormitories, or housing facilities of the type described in section 156.001(2) of the Texas Code. 
    • A "lodging establishment" also does not include a short-term rental or a part/whole of a residence rented to a member of the resident's family.
    • A "nursing or assisted living" facility means a private home for the care of children or the aged or infirm, or a place of rest for those suffering bodily disorders, not containing equipment for surgical care or medical treatment of disease or injury.
  • room or boarding house means a building other than a hotel or multi-family dwelling where lodging is provided for compensation for three (3) but not more than twelve (12) persons, where meals may or may not be served, and where facilities for food preparation are not provided in individual rooms. Where meals are served, they may only be served to the residents of the boarding house.

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1. Who do I report safety violations to?
2. How do I get a rental registration license for my multi-family complex or lodging establishment?
3. How long is my rental inspection license valid?
4. My multi-family complex/lodging establishment has changed ownership.
5. Am I required to register my business?
6. What is considered a Multi-family, Lodging Establishment, or Room/Boarding House?