CITY RULES · AUSTIN, TX
Short-term rental rules in Austin, TX.
Regulator: Austin Development Services. Last checked: Oct 15, 2026. Checked against: review status and sources shown for each claim.
Informational guide, not legal advice. Review dates and sources appear beside individual claims. Unconfirmed research is separated below. Rules and property eligibility can change; confirm requirements with the city before acting.
How we review these rules
- Checked against official source The linked official material supports this particular summary as of its review date.
- City confirmation needed Official wording conflicts or leaves a property-specific question. Ask the city before relying on it.
- Review pending Unconfirmed draft research, separated from the checked summaries and compliance checklist.
Guests: Good to know when booking or staying
These are host rules from the official sources that may show up in a listing or affect your stay.
- Local contact: Must be in Austin metro area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell counties); respond within 2 hours. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Pending / recent: Platform rules effective Jul 1, 2026: license display field, remove unlicensed listings on city request. City page says it will begin requesting removal of unlicensed properties from platforms from Jul 1, 2026. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
Homeowners: Permits, taxes, caps and pending changes
What the official sources say a host or owner needs in Austin, TX.
- Licence required: STRs in full- and limited-purpose city jurisdiction need a license. The city describes two-year licenses and a $736.60 new-license fee including notification; check current renewal fees separately. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Caps / density: Single-family sites: up to 2 STR units per individual per site, other STRs elsewhere must be 1,000 ft apart. Multi-family: greater of 1 unit or 10%. Mixed-use (4+ units, 1+ commercial): greater of 1 unit or 25%. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Local contact: Must be in Austin metro area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell counties); respond within 2 hours. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Tax: Hotel Occupancy Tax: platforms collect/remit since Apr 1, 2025; owners still file quarterly reports (zero reports if no rentals). Austin Finance Online account required in full-purpose jurisdiction. Rate not checked. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Pending / recent: Platform rules effective Jul 1, 2026: license display field, remove unlicensed listings on city request. City page says it will begin requesting removal of unlicensed properties from platforms from Jul 1, 2026. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
Management clients: Compliance checklist
Items from the rules listed that need ongoing attention. We discuss applicable local rules with each owner before an arrangement begins, and the agreement sets out who is responsible for what.
- Licence required: STRs in full- and limited-purpose city jurisdiction need a license. The city describes two-year licenses and a $736.60 new-license fee including notification; check current renewal fees separately. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Local contact: Must be in Austin metro area (Travis, Williamson, Hays, Bastrop, Caldwell counties); respond within 2 hours. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Tax: Hotel Occupancy Tax: platforms collect/remit since Apr 1, 2025; owners still file quarterly reports (zero reports if no rentals). Austin Finance Online account required in full-purpose jurisdiction. Rate not checked. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
- Pending / recent: Platform rules effective Jul 1, 2026: license display field, remove unlicensed listings on city request. City page says it will begin requesting removal of unlicensed properties from platforms from Jul 1, 2026. Checked against official sourceSources: Official source ↗ · Reviewed 2026-10-15
NOT YET VERIFIED
What we have not confirmed for Austin, TX.
- Current HOT rate Not yet verified
- Any pending Council action after Oct 2026 Not yet verified
Do not rely on anything in this list until it is confirmed on the official city page.
OFFICIAL SOURCES
Read it from the city.
TOOL FOR HOSTS
Hospitable
Property management software for short-term rental hosts.
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