Austin
Austin Short-Term Rental Association (ATXSTRA)
The Austin Short-Term Rental Association (ATXSTRA) is a local chapter of TXSTRA focused on the City of Austin and surrounding communities. ATXSTRA represents hosts, property managers, owners, and allied partners. We advocate for clear, enforceable, and reasonable rules; promote responsible operations; and partner with neighbors, city staff, and elected officials to keep Austin a welcoming destination.
+ LOCAL RESOURCES
Texas Senate Examines Hotel Occupancy Tax Collection and Accountability
The Texas Senate Committee on Economic Development took up Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) collection, reporting, and use during its September 22 interim hearing, with short-term rental tax collection becoming an important part of the discussion. The hearing was part of the...
TXSTRA September Community Update: Advocacy, Regulation and What’s Ahead
TXSTRA’s September Community Update brought members together to discuss the latest developments affecting short-term rentals across Texas, upcoming advocacy efforts, and ways operators can become more engaged in shaping the industry's future.Members can watch the...
Pricing for Profit Webinar Recap: What Texas STR Operators Should Know About Demand and Pricing
What does the data say about where Texas short-term rental demand is headed—and how should operators adjust their pricing strategy? In TXSTRA's August education webinar, Niki Turner of PriceLabs shared a data-driven look at Texas STR performance, booking behavior,...
AUSTIN EVENTS
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AUSTIN UPDATES
AUSTIN BY NUMBERS
$1.2B
Annual economic contribution (Airbnb 2023)
$335M
Tax revenue generated
(Airbnb 2023)
1.4M
Guest arrivals
(Austin metro, 2023)
14,800
Jobs in Austin supported
by hosting
Source: Airbnb Economic Impact — Austin (2023).
AUSTIN SHORT-TERM RENTAL REGULATIONS
Regulatory Update (10/1/25)
On September 11, Austin City Council adopted updates to the city’s short-term rental (STR) regulations.
New STR Applicants
Prospective applicants should review the Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations section for details on the updated requirements. As the City updates its licensing process over the coming weeks, additional documentation may be requested.
STR License Renewals
Current STR operators should continue submitting renewal applications following the existing process. Key changes include:
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Licenses are now issued for a two-year term with an updated fee
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Proof of insurance is no longer required at the time of renewal
As the City implements these changes, additional documentation may be requested. Operators are encouraged to review the Changes to Short-Term Rental Regulations section for full details.
About Austin STR Regulations
Short-term rentals—defined as residential properties rented for fewer than 30 consecutive days—are regulated by City ordinance and licensed by Austin Development Services Code Compliance. These regulations are intended to support safe accommodations, promote compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods, and provide resources for education and enforcement.
How to Apply:
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If you own, operate, manage, or collect payment for a short-term rental in Austin’s full-purpose jurisdiction, you must have an Austin Finance Online (AFO) account.
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Short-term rental license applications can be submitted online, by mail, or in person. Applications must be complete when submitted; incomplete applications will not be reviewed. All application fees are non-refundable.
Fees:
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A new short-term rental operating license costs $836.30, which includes:
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$789.00 licensing fee
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$47.30 notification fee
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If an operator has previously received a notice of violation or citation for operating without a license under City Code Section 25-2-793, an additional non-compliance fee may apply.
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For a full breakdown of short-term rental–related fees, see the Code Compliance Fee Schedule (PDF).
What This Means for Hosts:
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Make sure you have an AFO account before starting your application
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Double-check that your application is complete to avoid delays
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Be aware that fees are non-refundable, even if your application is denied
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Operators with past violations should expect additional costs.