Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in San Antonio, TX (2026)

San Antonio, TX allows short-term rentals — commonly listed on platforms like Airbnb and VRBO — subject to local regulations that have evolved significantly since 2015. Hosts must register with the city (Short term rental permit) before listing their property. San Antonio regulates STRs to balance tourism revenue with neighborhood quality of life. Key rules cover primary residence requirements, nightly limits, occupancy caps, and tax collection obligations. Hosts who operate without required registration or in violation of city rules face substantial fines. Below are the current registration requirements, rules, platform-specific notes, and penalties for San Antonio.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Registration Required: Short term rental permit. Registration fee: varies. Annual renewal: annually. Register through the local building department or local planning department. Your registration number must be displayed on all platform listings. Failure to register before hosting is a violation subject to fines.

Registration Type

Short term rental permit · Verified May 21, 2026 · Source

Registration Fee

$200

Annual Renewal

$200

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in San Antonio beyond standard property codes.

• •STR registration required for all rentals of 30 days or fewer
• •Owner-occupied STRs (host-present) and non-owner-occupied STRs are both allowed with registration
• •Registration number must be displayed on all booking platform listings
• •Noise ordinance compliance required — San Antonio quiet hours apply
• •Maximum occupancy rules: no more than 2 guests per bedroom
• •Safety equipment required: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher
• •Designated local contact required to respond to complaints within 1 hour
• •City Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) collection required on all STR stays

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in San Antonio are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$500–$2,000 fine per day for operating without registration
• ⚠$500 fine per violation for noise and safety violations
• ⚠Registration revocation for repeat violations
• ⚠3-year ban from STR activity after revocation

Frequently Asked Questions