Bexar County, TX Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)

Unincorporated Bexar County does not operate a residential rental registration or inspection program. Landlords renting single-family homes, duplexes, or small multifamily properties outside city limits are not required to obtain a county rental license or submit to proactive inspections. They must still comply with Texas Property Code Chapter 92 habitability standards, including working smoke detectors under 92.251 to 92.262 (landlord must install battery-operated smoke alarms in each bedroom and corridor), functioning locks under 92.151 to 92.170 (keyed deadbolts, keyless deadbolts, and window latches), and prompt repair of conditions affecting health or safety after written notice. Inside certain Bexar County cities, however, rental programs exist. For example, San Antonio has a proactive Code Enforcement program and a short-term rental permit system. Short-term rentals (fewer than 30 days) are separately regulated by some cities even when the underlying county has no rule. Landlords should verify jurisdiction before assuming no rules apply. Commercial multifamily over certain unit counts may trigger state fire marshal inspections.