San Antonio, TX Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in San Antonio, TX, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Code Section
- UDC §35-374.01
- Type 1 Fee
- $300/3 years
- Type 2 Fee
- $450/3 years
- Platform Enforcement
- Must remove unpermitted
Summary
San Antonio requires STR permits through Development Services Department under UDC §35-374.01. Type 1 (owner-occupied) permits cost $300/3 years; Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) cost $450/3 years. The June 2024 ordinance amendment strengthened enforcement, requiring platforms to remove unpermitted listings.
Sec. 351.002. TAX AUTHORIZED. (a) A municipality by ordinance may impose a tax on a person who, under a lease, concession, permit, right of access, license, contract, or agreement, pays for the use or possession or for the right to the use or possession of a room that is in a hotel, costs $2 or more each day, and is ordinarily used for sleeping.(b) The price of a room in a hotel does not include the cost of food served by the hotel and the cost of personal services performed by the hotel for the person except for those services related to cleaning and readying the room for use or possession.(c) The tax does not apply to a person who is a permanent resident under Section 156.101 of this code. Added by Acts 1987, 70th Leg., ch. 191, Sec.
Full Breakdown
San Antonio UDC §35-374.01 defines STRs as rentals of less than 30 consecutive days and not less than 12 hours. Two permit types exist: Type 1 (owner/operator-occupied, $300/3 years) and Type 2 (non-owner-occupied investment, $450/3 years). The June 13, 2024 ordinance (2024-06-13-0433) significantly strengthened enforcement, platforms like Airbnb and VRBO must remove listings without valid permit numbers. Properties in historic districts (King William, Dignowity Hill, Monte Vista) face additional HDRC review. Safety requirements include smoke detectors, CO detectors, and posted emergency information. Permits are non-transferable to another owner, operator, or location. For ADUs used as STRs, the owner must occupy either the main house or the ADU.
Violations & Fines
Operating without permit: fines starting at $500/day. Repeat offenders: up to $2,000/day. Third violation: mandatory meeting with DSD director. Permit revocation for up to 3 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to list my property on Airbnb in San Antonio?
What are the short-term rental registration requirements in San Antonio?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in San Antonio
How San Antonio compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Texas rules heatmap·Compare San Antonio to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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Short-Term Rental Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Bexar County handle short-term rental permits.