San Antonio, Texas Short Term Rental Regulations

City Code of Ordinances

A residential dwelling unit, apartment, condominium, or accessory residence that rents out sleeping areas for overnight stays for a period of fewer than 30 days is referred to as an STR (but not less than 12 hours). There are two different types of STR:

• Type 1, the owner or operator resides on the property, and it is their primary residence. Type 1 STRs have no density limitation.
• Type 2, the property is not occupied by either the owner or operator. Up to 12.5 percent of the units on a block face may have Type 2 STRs. The percentage of Type 2 STRs by right in a multi-family structure where the STR is located cannot exceed 12.5% of total units. Operating a Type 2 STR requires a specific exception from the Board of Adjustment when the 12.5 percent density restriction is reached or exceeded.

STRs are allowed in any residential zoning district and O-1, O-1.5, O-2, NC, C-1, C-2, and D commercial zoning districts. See San Antonio Zoning Map for reference.

Consult the City of San Antonio Short-Term Rental page for more information.

Business License Requirements

You need a permit to rent a short-term rental to guests in San Antonio. Register here and read the Short-Term Rental Online User Registration Guide for more details.

You must submit an application for a special exemption through DSD's Zoning Section if it is found during the review process that one is necessary. The $400.00 application fee is available here.

Building and Housing Standards

San Antonio has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Visit Constructing in San Antonio or San Antonio Development Services for more information.

Tourist and Local Taxes

The City of San Antonio collects HOT for the City and Bexar County. The City of San Antonio's HOT rate is 9%, comprised of a 7% general occupancy tax and an additional 2% for the Convention Center expansion. The City also collects 1.75% for Bexar County. The State of Texas collects an additional 6%, which is paid directly to the State. Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) registration and tax collection. Read the Hotel Occupancy Tax fact sheet for more information.

Other Rules

The City requires hosts of San Antonio to have liability insurance. The amount of insurance required by the City is not specified, but the coverage must be adequate to cover guests' responsibility for personal injury.

It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit the City of San Antonio for more information.