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 |
| 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.
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