Short-term rental permit rules in Travis County, TX — also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration — list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Travis County does not require a short-term rental permit in unincorporated areas. Incorporated cities (Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Pflugerville) each license STRs separately. State HOT registration with the TX Comptroller is required for all STR operators.
Because Texas counties lack general regulatory authority, Travis County has not adopted an STR licensing program. Operators within Austin city limits must obtain an Austin STR license (Type 1 owner-occupied, Type 2 non-owner, Type 3 multifamily). Lakeway requires registration under Ord. 2019-07-15-01. Unincorporated operators must still register with the TX Comptroller for the 6% state hotel occupancy tax.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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See how Travis County's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.
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