Travis County, TX Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Short-Term Rentals [...] Short-term rentals (STRs) , residences rented for less than 30 consecutive days, are regulated by City ordinance and licensed annually by Austin Development Services Code Compliance. The goal of STR regulations is to encourage the safety of structures for people and pets, ensure their compatible existence with the surrounding environment, and allocate resources to provide education and address violations. [...] Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations In February 2025, the Austin City Council adopted changes that made STRs an additional (accessory) use to all residential uses in all zoning districts as long as they have a valid operating license. In October 2025, the following changes went into effect for property owners and tenant operators: All licenses will now be valid for two years instead of one year. A Certificate of Occupancy and proof of insurance are no longer required for new applicants or renewals. Tenants may now operate STRs, with the permission of their landlord. Single-family sites : An individual may operate up to two STR units on a site and may operate additional STRs elsewhere, provided they are at least 1,000 feet apart. Mixed-use sites: An individual may operate the greater of one unit or 25% of their units on sites with four or more residential units and at least one commercial use. Multi-family residential sites : An individual may operate the greater of one unit or 10% of their units. Local contact must live in the Austin Metro Area: Travis County, Williamson County, Hays County, Bastrop County, or Caldwell County. STRs must respond promptly to complaints and fix repeated violations.