Austin, TX Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Code Section
- Title 25, Ch. 25-2, Article 4
- STR Types
- Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner), Type 3 (multifamily)
- License Required
- Operating license for all STR types
- Type 2 Cap
- New licenses suspended in some areas due to density limits
- Long-Term Rentals
- No separate registration required
Summary
Austin requires registration for short-term rentals (STRs) under City Code Title 25, Chapter 25-2, Article 4 (Short-Term Rental Ordinance). STRs are classified as Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied, non-multifamily), or Type 3 (non-owner-occupied multifamily). All types require an operating license from Austin Code Department. Long-term rentals do not require a separate rental registration. The city suspended issuing new Type 2 licenses in certain areas due to density caps.
Sec. 92.201. DISCLOSURE OF OWNERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT. (a) A landlord shall disclose to a tenant, or to any government official or employee acting in an official capacity, according to this subchapter: (1) the name and either a street or post office box address of the holder of record title, according to the deed records in the county clerk's office, of the dwelling rented by the tenant or inquired about by the government official or employee acting in an official capacity; and (2) if an entity located off-site from the dwelling is primarily responsible for managing the dwelling, the name and street address of the management company.
Full Breakdown
Rental registration programs in Austin require landlords to register all rental dwelling units with the city's housing or code enforcement department. Registration involves providing owner/manager contact information, property address, number of units, and proof of compliance with building and fire codes. Annual or biennial registration fees typically range from $25–$100 per unit. Registered properties are subject to periodic inspections (every 2–5 years) verifying compliance with housing habitability standards: working smoke detectors, egress windows, electrical safety, plumbing, heating, and structural integrity. Properties that fail inspection receive corrective orders with compliance deadlines. Transfer of ownership triggers re-registration. Texas state landlord-tenant law supports local registration authority.
Violations & Fines
Failure to register: $100–$500 per unit per month. Failed inspection with no correction: $200–$1,000 per violation per month. Operating unregistered rentals: may void landlord's right to collect rent in some states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to register my rental property in Austin?
What are the STR types in Austin?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Austin
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