Universal City, TX Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Universal City, TX, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Rental Threshold
- Under 30 days = transient lodging
- State Tax
- 6 percent Texas hotel occupancy tax
- Local Tax
- Up to 7 percent under Tax Code 351
- City Contact
- (210) 658-5365
Summary
Short-term rentals in Universal City must comply with local registration, Texas hotel occupancy tax rules, and applicable zoning; contact the city to confirm STR permits.
Hotel owners, operators or managers must collect state hotel occupancy tax from their guests who rent a room or space in a hotel costing $15 or more each day. The tax applies not only to hotels and motels, but also to bed and breakfasts, condominiums, apartments and houses. Persons leasing their houses must collect hotel occupancy tax from their customers in the same way a hotel or motel collects the tax from its guests. Property management companies, online travel companies and other third-party rental companies may also be responsible for collecting the tax. Due Date: Monthly: 20th day of the month following the end of each calendar month (for example, April 20 for March activity). Quarterly (if qualified): 20th day of the month following end of the calendar quarter (for example, April 20 for first quarter activity). Penalties: A $50 penalty is assessed on each report filed after the due date. If tax is paid 1-30 days after the due date, a 5 percent penalty is assessed. If tax is paid over 30 days after the due date, a 10 percent penalty is assessed.
Full Breakdown
Short-term rentals (STRs) offered for periods under 30 days in Universal City are treated as commercial lodging for purposes of state and local hotel occupancy taxes under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351 and Chapter 156. Operators should verify with Universal City whether an STR-specific permit, certificate of occupancy, or home occupation registration is required, and confirm that the property is located in a zoning district where transient rentals are allowed. Operators must also meet life-safety requirements such as smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, and clear egress. Contact Universal City at (210) 658-5365 for current permit forms, fees, and inspection requirements before listing the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to rent on Airbnb?
Are STRs allowed in all neighborhoods?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Universal City
How Universal City compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Universal City 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.