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🏠 Short-Term Rentals/Host Presence Rule

Host Presence Rule: Converse vs San Antonio

How do host presence rule rules compare between Converse, TX and San Antonio, TX?

Converse has fewer restrictions than San Antonio.

Converse, TX

Bexar County

Few Restrictions

Unincorporated Bexar County does not require short-term rental hosts to live on-site or be present during guest stays. Texas HB 1620 (2025) bars counties from imposing host-presence mandates on STR operators.

View full Converse rules β†’

San Antonio, TX

Bexar County

Heavy Restrictions

San Antonio short-term rental rules in SAMC Chapter 35 distinguish owner-occupied Type 1 STRs from non-owner-occupied Type 2 STRs. Type 2 rentals face density caps by census block and tighter zoning limits to favor host-present operations.

View full San Antonio rules β†’

Key Facts Comparison

FactConverseSan Antonio
Host residency requiredNo-
State preemptionTX HB 1620 (2025)-
Combined HOT rateAbout 7.75 percent-
Applies toUnincorporated Bexar only-
Authority-SAMC Chapter 35
Type 1-Owner-occupied or present
Type 2-Non-owner-occupied STR
Density cap-12.5 percent per block group
Local contact-24/7 responder required

Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.

Converse FAQ

Can I run an unhosted Airbnb in unincorporated Bexar County?

Yes. No county rule requires the host to live on-site or be present, and Texas HB 1620 prevents counties from adopting such a mandate.

Do San Antonio city STR rules apply to my unincorporated property?

No. San Antonio ordinances apply only inside city limits. Unincorporated parcels follow state law and any limited county provisions.

San Antonio FAQ

Do I need to live in my San Antonio short-term rental?

Not for a Type 2 permit, but Type 2 rentals are limited by density caps in residential zones. Type 1 owner-occupied STRs face fewer zoning restrictions and are easier to permit citywide.

How do I know if my block is over the STR density cap?

Use the city's STR density map on sa.gov before applying. Development Services tracks Type 2 permits per census block group and denies new Type 2 applications once 12.5 percent of units are reached.

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