San Antonio Short-Term Rental Regulations
| Permit | ✓ Required — Short Term Rental Permit (Type 1) ($300) — See below for other permit types |
| Primary Residence | Varies by permit type |
| Annual Day Limit | No limit — 30 days or fewer per stay |
| Tax Rate | 16.75% |
| Max Penalty | Fines apply (amount varies) |
| Insurance | Not required |
New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →
Permit & Licensing
- Short Term Rental Permit (Type 1) — You live in the property and rent part or all of it ($300)
- Short Term Rental Permit (Type 2) — You don't live at the property ($450)
Short Term Rental Permit (Type 1)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $300 |
| Renewal | Contact city / 1 year |
The property must be your primary residence. This means investment properties are not eligible for this permit type.
Short Term Rental Permit (Type 2)
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial cost | $450 |
| Renewal | Contact city / 1 year |
This permit type does not require primary residence.
Application Process
Apply in writing or electronically; director determines Type 1 or Type 2 classification upon complete application submission.
Note: Document requirements vary by permit type. See individual permit sections above for eligibility details.
Tax Obligations
| Tax | Rate | Authority |
|---|---|---|
| Texas State Hotel Occupancy Tax | 6% | Texas Comptroller |
| City of San Antonio Hotel Occupancy Tax | 9% | City of San Antonio |
| Bexar County Hotel Occupancy Tax | 1.75% | Bexar County |
Combined rate: 16.75% of gross rental income.
Collection: Self-remit to Texas Comptroller; platforms (online travel companies) may also collect
Filing: Monthly by 20th of following month, or quarterly by 20th of month following quarter end if qualified; file via Texas Comptroller Webfile
Rental Limits
San Antonio does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Each individual stay must be 30 days or fewer per stay.
Zoning & Restrictions
Check with local government
Insurance & Safety
Safety & Operating Requirements
- 24-hour emergency contact required
- Permit number must appear in listing
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Providing false documentation results in denial and 1-year ban on subsequent applications for that property.
Platform Requirements
- All platforms must require permit number in listings
- Must remove listings within 10 business days of city notification if permit number is missing, invalid, expired, or revoked.
Compliance Checklist
Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in San Antonio:
- Determine your permit type. San Antonio has 2 permit types. Identify which applies to your property (Short Term Rental Permit (Type 1), Short Term Rental Permit (Type 2)).
- Meet safety requirements. 24-hour emergency contact required. Permit number must appear in listing.
- Apply for your STR permit. Submit application + $300 fee. See permit types above to determine which applies.
- Register for tax accounts. Set up hotel occupancy tax accounts with the city tax authority.
- Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
- Collect and remit taxes. 16.75% on all bookings.
- Renew annually. Contact city for renewal fee details.
Official Sources
- Short Term Rentals (STR) - City of San Antonio
- STR Permits - City of San Antonio
- Article XXII - Short Term Rentals | Code of Ordinances | San Antonio, TX
- Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) - City of San Antonio
- Hotel Occupancy Tax - Texas Comptroller
- ARTICLE XXII. - SHORT TERM RENTALS | San Antonio, TX - Municode