San Antonio Airbnb & Short-Term Rental FAQs
Permits, Hotel Occupancy Taxes, Regulations, and Compliance*
Thinking about operating an Airbnb or short-term rental in San Antonio? Already hosting and have questions about local regulations? The Short Term Rental Association of San Antonio (STRASA) helps property owners, hosts, and managers understand the rules and operate legally, responsibly, and successfully.
Last updated November 8, 2026
1. Do I need a permit to operate an Airbnb or short-term rental in San Antonio? Yes. The City of San Antonio requires a permit for residential properties rented for overnight stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days, including properties listed on Airbnb, Vrbo, and other booking platforms. There are two permit categories: Type 1, for properties occupied by the owner or operator as a primary residence, and Type 2, for properties not occupied by the owner or operator. Each rental unit requires its own permit, which is valid for three years and cannot be transferred to another owner.
2. How much does a short-term rental permit cost in San Antonio? As of November 2026, the City of San Antonio charges: Type 1 permit: $450 Type 2 permit: $1,000 Both permits are valid for three years, and the same fees apply to renewals. The City also applies an 8% surcharge to application fees. Before purchasing a property or applying for a permit, confirm its eligibility with the City's Development Services Department. Some properties are subject to density or zoning restrictions.
3. How much hotel occupancy tax do Airbnb hosts collect and remit in San Antonio? Short-term rentals located within San Antonio city limits are subject to a combined 17% hotel occupancy tax (HOT): State of Texas: 6% City of San Antonio: 9% Bexar County: 2% The Bexar County rate increased from 1.75% to 2% in October 2026, with the new rate applying to reservations checking out after October 31, according to guidance from the City's Finance Department. Hosts must understand which taxes their booking platforms collect and which taxes they remain responsible for reporting and remitting.
4. Do Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit all required hotel occupancy taxes in San Antonio? No. Airbnb collects and remits the 6% Texas state HOT and 9% City of San Antonio HOT for applicable reservations, but it does not collect and remit the 2% Bexar County HOT on behalf of San Antonio hosts. Hosts remain responsible for collecting and remitting the county tax. They must also file monthly hotel occupancy tax reports with the City, even when they have no taxable rental income. Hosts using other booking platforms or accepting direct reservations should verify which taxes are collected automatically and which they must collect and remit themselves.
5. How many guests can stay in a San Antonio short-term rental? The maximum occupancy of a short-term rental depends on its approved floor plan, legal bedrooms, designated sleeping areas, and applicable property maintenance and safety codes. San Antonio does not simply assign two guests per bedroom. Bedrooms generally must have at least 70 square feet of floor area, with at least 50 square feet per occupant when shared by more than one person. Adding sofa beds, bunk beds, or air mattresses does not automatically increase a property's approved occupancy. Hosts should follow the maximum occupancy established through the City's permitting process.
6. Are there limits on the number of short-term rentals allowed in San Antonio neighborhoods? Yes. San Antonio generally limits Type 2 short-term rentals to 12.5% of eligible properties on a block face, meaning one side of a street between intersections. Different calculations apply to qualifying multifamily properties. Type 1 short-term rentals are not subject to the same density limit. If a block face has reached its Type 2 limit, an applicant may seek a special exception from the City's Board of Adjustment. Approval is not guaranteed. Property owners should verify permit eligibility before purchasing a property or making a financial commitment based on anticipated short-term rental income.
7. What happens if I receive a hotel occupancy tax audit or review notice? The City of San Antonio may review a short-term rental operator's records to verify that rental income was accurately reported and hotel occupancy taxes were properly collected and remitted. Hosts may be asked to provide booking records, transaction statements, and documentation of taxes collected by booking platforms. Maintaining organized records is essential, even when a platform collects some taxes automatically. STRASA has met with City Finance staff to better understand the review process and help hosts prepare. Receiving a review notice does not automatically mean a host has violated the rules.
8. Can I operate an Airbnb in a casita, garage apartment, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? Possibly, but additional zoning and occupancy requirements apply. Under San Antonio's ADU regulations, the property owner generally must live in either the primary residence or the accessory dwelling unit. Properties where the owner does not reside on-site must have zoning that permits more than one dwelling unit. An ADU used as a short-term rental must also comply with applicable permitting, safety, and hotel occupancy tax requirements. Before converting a casita, garage apartment, or backyard cottage into an Airbnb, verify the property's zoning and eligibility with Development Services.
9. Where can I get help understanding San Antonio's short-term rental regulations? The Short Term Rental Association of San Antonio (STRASA) provides education, resources, and opportunities for hosts to learn about local regulations and responsible hosting practices. STRASA offers compliance classes, publishes updates on regulatory changes, and maintains working relationships with City departments responsible for permitting, hotel occupancy taxes, and enforcement. The association also helps hosts navigate questions about City procedures and connects members with experienced operators and local service providers.
10. What is STRASA, and how do I join? The Short Term Rental Association of San Antonio (STRASA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to education, compliance, community, and responsible short-term rental operations. STRASA represents the interests of hosts, property owners, managers, and businesses serving the short-term rental industry. The association works with City officials, provides educational opportunities, hosts networking events, and advocates for reasonable, understandable, and fairly enforced regulations. Membership is just $25 per year. Members gain access to a community of knowledgeable hosts and opportunities to participate in discussions affecting San Antonio's short-term rental industry.
*Disclaimer: STRASA provides educational information, not legal or tax advice. Regulations, fees, and platform policies may change. Always verify current requirements with the City of San Antonio, the Texas Comptroller, and other applicable authorities.
Last updated November 8, 2026