Short-term rentals inside San Antonio city limits need a permit

San Antonio has a short-term rental (STR) ordinance for all properties within city limits. There are two permit types. Type 1 (owner-occupied) has no density limits. Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) has a 12.5% density cap per block face. Both need a city permit from the Development Services Department. The most recent changes were approved in June 2024.

Properties outside San Antonio city limits but within Bexar County do not need a city STR permit. However, all STR operators in Bexar County, inside or outside city limits, must set up a Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) account. The city collects the county HOT on behalf of the county.

Running a rental without the required permit, or not collecting HOT, can result in fines. Before listing a property as a short-term rental, confirm whether you are inside city limits. Then check current permit requirements and fees at sa.gov/Directory/Departments/DSD/STR/Permits.