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Short-Term Rentals (STRs), residences that are rented for less than 30 consecutive days, are regulated by City ordinance, and licensed annually by Development Services Department Code Compliance. The goal of STR regulations is to encourage the safety of structures for people and pets, ensure compatible existence with the surrounding environment, and to allocate resources to provide education and address violations.

Overview of STRs in Austin

There are three types of STRs within the city limits of Austin.

Type 1 STR: A use that is rented for less than 30 consecutive days and is owner occupied or associated with an owner-occupied principal residential unit.

Type 2 STR: A use that is rented for less than 30 consecutive days, includes the rental of an entire dwelling, is not part of a multi-family residential use, and is not owner occupied or associated with an owner-occupied principal residential unit.

Type 3 STR: A use that is rented for less than 30 consecutive days and is part of a multi-family or condominium residential unit. Type 3 operating licenses are governed by density caps.  For additional information on density caps, email strlicensing@austintexas.gov with the property address. 

Each type of STR has its own annual application and rules. Regardless of type of STR, all must be licensed under section 25-2-791 of the City Code.

Applying for a New STR License

Operators applying for a new STR license must include the following documentation in full. Partial applications cannot be processed:

  • Complete the Austin Finance Online application that is appropriate to the STR type 
  •  Non-refundable payment in the amount of $863.80 to cover the $817 application fee, $45 notification fee and $1.80 Development Services Department technology fee which supports the City’s permitting system infrastructure
  • Proof of property insurance found on the declaration, information or summary pages of a policy
  • An Austin Finance Online (AFO) Account is required for anyone living in Austin's full purpose jurisdiction
  • Operators located in Austin's limited jurisdiction should email strlicensing@austintexas.gov for application guidance 
  • Copy of Certificate of Occupancy
  • Copy of front of owner’s drivers license or state-issued identification to be emailed to strdocs@austintex.gov 
  • If the applicant is not the property owner, a completed, notarized Agent Authorization Form is required. The form, which is completed by the property owner, must include all individuals who are authorized to act on the property owner's behalf regarding short-term rental licensing matters. 

A person who submits an application for a short-term rental license shall pay an additional non-compliance fee if the application is submitted after a notice of violation or citation is issued to the person for operating a short-term rental without a license under section 25-2-793 of the City Code.

Short-term rental licensing packets can be submitted in person, by mail, or online if the applicant has an Austin Finance Online account. Call 512-974-9144 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or email STRLicensing@austintexas.gov to schedule an appointment for drop off.

Type 1 applications, Type 2 residential applications, Type 2 commercial applications, and Type 3 applications may also be submitted by mail to:

City of Austin – DSD Code Compliance
Attn: Finance- STR
PO Box 1088
Austin, Texas 78767

STR licenses are good for one year from date issuance. 

Renewing an STR License

STR license renewals may be submitted 60 days prior to expiration of an active license. If a license has been expired for less than 30 days, email strlicensing@austintexas.gov to request an extension. 

If there has been a TCAD change in ownership, email strlicensing@austintexas.gov for guidance. 

Applicants must also include the following documentation in full. Partial applications cannot be processed:

  • Non-refundable payment in the amount of $490
  • Proof of property insurance found on the declaration, information or summary pages of a policy

Short-term rental licensing packets can be submitted in person, by mail, or online if the applicant has an Austin Finance Online account. Call 512-974-9144 Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. or email STRLicensing@austintexas.gov to schedule an appointment for drop off.

Applicants submitting by mail should send packets to:

City of Austin – DSD Code Compliance
Attn: Finance- STR
PO Box 1088
Austin, Texas 78767

STR licenses are good for one year from date issuance.

STR Licensee/Operator Responsibilities

Under section 25-2-791 of the City Code, a licensee/operator must provide renters a copy of an information packet in a conspicuous common area of the STR that includes: the name and contact information of the local contact designated on the STR application, restrictions on noise applicable under section 25-2-794 of the City Code, parking restrictions, trash collection schedule, information on relevant burn bans and water restrictions, applicable requirements of the American with Disabilities Act and other guidelines and requirements applicable to short-term rental uses.

Under section 25-2-796 of the City Code, a licensee/operator who does not live within the Austin Metro Area must identify an individual or individuals to serve as local contacts and respond to emergency situations. A local contact must be present within the Austin Metro Area and be available to respond within two hours after being notified of an emergency by an STR guest, City employee or by an individual entitled to notice of the contact information under section 25-2-792, during any 24-hour period. If there is a change related to a local contact, the licensee must provide updated or new information to the director in writing within three business days.

STR Guest Responsibilities

Beyond the owner/manager policies specific to individual STRs, there are common issues that create unreasonable and potentially unsafe conditions for STR guests and area residents:

  • Loud Noise (parties, events, etc.)

  • Advertising without a license (AirBnb, VRBO, etc.)

  • Operating without a license

City ordinance governs these matters in section 25-2-794 of the City Code. An STR licensee or guest may not:

  • Use or allow the use of sound equipment that produces sound in excess of 75 decibels at the property line between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

  • Use or allow use of sound equipment that produces sound audible beyond the property line between 10 p.m. and 10 a.m.

  • Make or allow another to make noise or play a musical instrument audible to an adjacent business or residence between 10:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

  • Advertise or promote, or allow another to advertise or promote, the dwelling as a short- term rental if the dwelling is not licensed as a short-term rental.

STR City Requirements

Under section 25-2-791 of the City Code, the DSD director shall mail notice of the contact information for the local contact to all properties within 100 feet of the short-term rental use, at the licensee’s or operator’s expense upon issuance of an STR license.

The City must issue Type 2 for the same parts of the City where Type 1 licenses are available under the Anding vs. City of Austin ruling. The ruling also clarified that individuals who owned their property prior to the approval of the 2016 ordinance are eligible for a Type 2 license.

STR Licensing, Enforcement Contacts and Resources

STR Licensing Questions

Licensing Intake: 512-974-9144 | STRLicensing@austintexas.gov
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

STR Enforcement Inquiries

Supervisor Eric Gardner: 512-974-2362 | Eric.Gardner@austintexas.gov
Tuesday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Open Data Portal: Short-Term Rental Locations

Memo to Council: Response to Resolution No. 20181129-041

Austin Build & Connect: Public Search (Operating License)

Frequently Asked Questions