STR rules by city / San Antonio, TX
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San Antonio, TX short-term-rental rules
San Antonio requires a Short Term Rental permit from the Development Services Department to operate an STR inside city limits; permits are valid for three years and come in two types based on whether the owner occupies the property.
What does San Antonio, TX require?
San Antonio requires a Short Term Rental permit from the Development Services Department to operate an STR inside city limits; permits are valid for three years and come in two types based on whether the owner occupies the property.
How much is the San Antonio permit fee?
Type 1 (owner or operator occupied): $300 non-refundable. Type 2 (not owner or operator occupied): $450 non-refundable. Mail/in-person paper applications add a $10 processing fee.
How often do I renew?
Every 3 years. STR permits expire three years after the date of issuance.
Does it have to be my primary residence?
Type 1 requires the owner or operator to occupy the property as their legal/primary residence; Type 2 does not, but faces density restrictions.
What else should I know?
- Type 1 STRs are allowed by right with no density limit when the owner/operator uses the property as their legal/primary residence.
- Type 2 STRs are allowed by right only up to blockface density limits (e.g., 12.5% of a single-family blockface).
- Properties outside city limits only need a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) account with City Finance — no permit.
Source: City of San Antonio Development Services Department — Application for Short Term Rental (STR) Permit. Verified as of July 5, 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirement with your city before you submit.
San Antonio, TX short-term-rental permit questions
- Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in San Antonio, TX?
- San Antonio requires a Short Term Rental permit from the Development Services Department to operate an STR inside city limits; permits are valid for three years and come in two types based on whether the owner occupies the property.
- How much does a San Antonio short-term-rental permit cost?
- Type 1 (owner or operator occupied): $300 non-refundable. Type 2 (not owner or operator occupied): $450 non-refundable. Mail/in-person paper applications add a $10 processing fee.
- How often do I renew my San Antonio short-term-rental registration?
- Every 3 years. STR permits expire three years after the date of issuance.
- Does my San Antonio short-term rental have to be my primary residence?
- Type 1 requires the owner or operator to occupy the property as their legal/primary residence; Type 2 does not, but faces density restrictions.
Ready to register in San Antonio?
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