Georgetown, TX Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)

Georgetown's STR program does not impose a host-presence or owner-occupancy requirement. There is no rule that the owner sleep on-site, occupy the unit during rentals, or limit rentals to a spare room while the host is home. Whole-home, unhosted short-term rentals are allowed. What the ordinance does require is a 24/7 local contact: the application must include a 24-hour contact phone number for a person able to respond to issues that arise during a guest's stay. This person does not have to be present at the property, but must be reachable around the clock to address complaints such as noise, parking, or trash. The local-contact model substitutes for an on-site host and is how the City ensures someone is accountable for guest conduct. Operators using off-site or out-of-town ownership commonly designate a property manager or local agent as the 24/7 contact. Because there is no host-presence mandate, the practical compliance obligations are keeping that contact current and responsive, completing neighbor notification, posting the permit, and remitting the local hotel occupancy tax. Failure of the local contact to respond to complaints is a frequent enforcement trigger.