BondPermit · Short-term rental rules

Short-term rental rules in Austin, TX

Compiled from the city's official pages — rules you must confirm before you list. Compiled July 2026; rules change, confirm each on the official site.

Austin, TX · rules you must confirm

Registration & tax

Compiled from the city's official pages. Links go to the official site where available — confirm each before you list.

Registration / license
Short-Term Rental (STR) Operating License under City Code Chapter 4-23. ⚠️ The old Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 3 framework NO LONGER EXISTS — old Code §§ 25-2-788 to 25-2-799 were repealed effective Oct 1 2025 (Ord. 20250227-039) and Chapter 4-23 defines no STR 'types'. 'Type 1/2/3' now survives only as a billing label on the fee schedule, with no legal effect. There is NO owner-occupancy requirement and NO citywide or census-tract cap. STRs are an accessory use permitted in ALL districts with a valid license; new § 25-2-904(B) states short-term rental use cannot be prohibited. Each STR needs its own license; licenses are not transferable.
Issued by City of Austin · Development Services Department — Code Compliance ([email protected] · 512-974-9144) · New license $836.30 ($789 license + $47.30 notification) · Renewal $385.30 ($338 renewal + $47.30 notification). Non-refundable, per STR. Processing 6–8 weeks single-family, 8–10 weeks multi-family.
Lodging / occupancy tax
Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) — City 11% + State 6%
City of Austin Financial Services (HOT) + Texas Comptroller · City HOT 11% (9% occupancy + 2% venue project) plus Texas state HOT 6%. Since Apr 1 2025 (Ord. 20250227-041) the PLATFORM collects and remits city HOT — but the operator must still file quarterly reports with the City, INCLUDING zero reports for quarters with no rentals (most-missed step). Limited Purpose Jurisdiction: license required, no local HOT. ETJ: neither.
Base zoning

Check your exact address's zoning — live

Zoning is parcel-specific. We don't guess it on this page — check your exact address against the city's live GIS.

Check your address's live zoning →
Austin, TX · stay current

Watch Austin for rule changes — $9.99/mo

We re-check Austin's official short-term-rental license & tax pages and email you when they change — a heads-up to re-check, never a legal verdict. Cancel anytime.

Free

Not ready to pay? Get Austin STR updates — free

We'll email you a free list of Austin's official pages to check, plus a heads-up when major rules change. Informational only — not a compliance checklist or legal advice.

Austin, TX · common questions

FAQ

Does Austin require short-term rentals to register?

The city lists a short-term-rental registration (Short-Term Rental (STR) Operating License under City Code Chapter 4-23. ⚠️ The old Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 3 framework NO LONGER EXISTS — old Code §§ 25-2-788 to 25-2-799 were repealed effective Oct 1 2025 (Ord. 20250227-039) and Chapter 4-23 defines no STR 'types'. 'Type 1/2/3' now survives only as a billing label on the fee schedule, with no legal effect. There is NO owner-occupancy requirement and NO citywide or census-tract cap. STRs are an accessory use permitted in ALL districts with a valid license; new § 25-2-904(B) states short-term rental use cannot be prohibited. Each STR needs its own license; licenses are not transferable.) on its official pages. Whether it applies to your specific listing depends on factors we don't verify — confirm directly with City of Austin · Development Services Department — Code Compliance ([email protected] · 512-974-9144). Informational only, not legal advice.

How much does Austin STR registration cost?

Published fee guidance: New license $836.30 ($789 license + $47.30 notification) · Renewal $385.30 ($338 renewal + $47.30 notification). Non-refundable, per STR. Processing 6–8 weeks single-family, 8–10 weeks multi-family.. Fees change — confirm the current amount with City of Austin · Development Services Department — Code Compliance ([email protected] · 512-974-9144) before you pay.

What taxes apply to short-term rentals in Austin?

The city lists Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) — City 11% + State 6% (City HOT 11% (9% occupancy + 2% venue project) plus Texas state HOT 6%. Since Apr 1 2025 (Ord. 20250227-041) the PLATFORM collects and remits city HOT — but the operator must still file quarterly reports with the City, INCLUDING zero reports for quarters with no rentals (most-missed step). Limited Purpose Jurisdiction: license required, no local HOT. ETJ: neither.), administered by City of Austin Financial Services (HOT) + Texas Comptroller. Confirm current rates and how to register on the official tax page.

Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Austin?

That depends on the city's zoning and primary-residence rules, which we don't verify here — confirm with City of Austin · Development Services Department — Code Compliance ([email protected] · 512-974-9144) and check your exact address's base zoning.

BondPermit by AurumFlux AI · informational only, not legal advice · Check another city → · bondpermit.com