Short-Term Rental Rules in San Antonio, TX (2026): Permits, Taxes and Limits
Short-term rentals are allowed in San Antonio, TX, but hosts are required to get a permit and pay monthly Hotel Occupancy Taxes (HOT) for operating within city limits. The short-term rental regulations were last amended on June 13, 2024, and require compliance with these rules.
Do you need a permit or license?
Yes, operating a short-term rental (STR) in San Antonio requires a permit [1]. This applies to properties within San Antonio city limits [1]. There are two types of STR permits: Type 1, for properties that are the primary residence of the owner or operator, and Type 2, for properties not occupied by the owner or operator [1]. Permits are issued within 5 business days once a complete application is received, and they are valid for 3 years [1].
Taxes
The Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) in San Antonio is 9% [4]. This is in addition to the 6% rate imposed by the State of Texas [4]. STR operators must report tax monthly, and platforms like Airbnb are required to remit these taxes directly to the city starting October 1, 2024 [2]. If the platform does not remit taxes, the operator must submit them directly [2].
Limits and restrictions
Type 1 STRs have no density limits [1]. Type 2 STRs are limited to 12.5% of units on a blockface [1]. One Type 2 STR is allowed by right per block face or multi-family property regardless of density [1]. STRs can operate in any residential zoning district except C-3, L, I-1, and I-2 districts [1].
Penalties
Failure to comply with the STR ordinance can lead to penalties, such as revocation of the permit after three citations within a three-year period [2]. Providing false information can result in a one-year application penalty [2]. Monthly failure to report tax accrues a 5% penalty starting the second month following the reporting period, with an additional 5% penalty in the third month [4].
How to apply
To apply for an STR permit, hosts need to submit an application online via the BuildSA portal [1]. Required information includes contact details, a floor plan indicating guest and safety information, off-street parking plans, ownership proof, and owner authorization if the applicant is not the owner [3]. A separate permit is required for each unit [3].
At a glance
| Topic | What the rules say |
|---|---|
| Permit Requirement | Permits needed for all STRs in San Antonio [1]. |
| Density Limitations | Type 1 has no limit; Type 2 is 12.5% on blockface [1]. |
| Tax Rate | City HOT is 9%; State HOT is 6% [4]. |
| Application Fee | Type 1: $300, Type 2: $450 (post-June 14, 2024) [2]. |
| Permit Validity | Permits are valid for 3 years [1]. |
FAQ
Are there limits on where I can have an STR?
Yes, STRs cannot be in zoning districts C-3, L, I-1, and I-2 [1].
How are penalties calculated for not paying HOT?
Failure to report HOT will accrue a 5% penalty starting the second month, and an additional 5% in the third month [4].
What if the platform doesn’t remit taxes?
If the platform does not remit taxes, the STR operator is responsible for monthly payment to the City [2].
Running a rental in San Antonio
Permits, taxes and stays are easier to keep straight in one place. Rentology runs short, mid and long-term rentals in one system.
Sources
- 20220616 DSD_STR_Permits (official)
- 20240605 DSD_STR_Ordinance Amendments (official)
- STR Permits - City of San Antonio (official)
- Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) - City of San Antonio (official)
Last checked: October 16, 2026. This page summarizes rules the city, county or state has published. It is not legal advice, and rules change: confirm with the city before you list a property.