Short-term rental permit rules in Austin, TX — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Austin requires all STRs to obtain a city license through Austin Development Services. Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied), and Type 3 (multifamily) licenses are available. As of Oct. 1, 2025, licenses are valid for two years. License fee is approximately $836.
Austin City Code Title 4 regulates short-term rentals (rentals under 30 consecutive days). Three license types exist: Type 1 (owner's principal residence — owner lives on property), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied single-family), and Type 3 (multifamily/condo unit). All STR operators must obtain a license regardless of platform used. An Austin Finance Online (AFO) account is required. A local contact person who can reach the property within two hours is required. All listings must display the city-issued license number. Tenants may operate STRs with written landlord permission as of Oct. 1, 2025.
Operating without a license: fines up to $500 per day. License revocation for repeat or serious violations.
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See how Austin's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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