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 replay on the community portal. (Member log-in required)
Building a stronger advocacy foundation
One of the key updates was TXSTRA’s participation in Half Stays Local, a program of the Right to Rent Collaborative designed to help state and local STR associations build sustainable advocacy resources.
Through the program, participating property managers contribute $2 per completed reservation, with half of that amount going directly back to TXSTRA to support state-level advocacy efforts. The program is integrated with several property-management systems and is designed to operate with minimal administrative effort for participating operators.
The goal is straightforward: build advocacy resources before the next regulatory challenge arrives, rather than trying to mobilize resources after an issue has already emerged.
Looking ahead to the 2027 legislative session
With the next Texas legislative session approaching, TXSTRA is already preparing for increased engagement at the Capitol.
The association continues to monitor interim legislative activity involving hotel occupancy tax accountability and housing affordability, both of which could have implications for the short-term rental industry.
TXSTRA is also building an Advocacy Committee and expects to organize a legislative visit day in Austin in early February. Members interested in becoming more involved are encouraged to connect with the association and learn more about opportunities to participate.
Regulatory activity continues across Texas
The community update also provided a snapshot of activity in several major STR markets:
- Dallas: The ongoing litigation between the Dallas STR Association and the City of Dallas remains before the Texas Supreme Court. The Court has also requested briefs in related cases involving Grapevine and Fort Worth.
- San Antonio: The city is considering changes to STR fees as part of its current budget process.
- Austin: Registration and enforcement remain areas to watch, while upcoming city council elections could have implications for the local regulatory environment.
- Corpus Christi: The city has paused portions of its STR permitting program while it reviews its regulations.
- Baytown: Officials are considering a new STR licensing system.
- Galveston: Local operators are seeking additional information regarding hotel occupancy tax and registration fee revenues, while enforcement activity against unregistered properties has increased.
- Houston: The city’s existing registration requirements remain in focus, with enforcement against unpermitted properties expected to increase in 2027.
- El Paso: The city is currently in the education phase of a new registration program, with more active enforcement expected to follow.
The broader trend is clear: communities across Texas continue to review, modify and enforce their STR programs, making local engagement and statewide advocacy increasingly important.
Stay connected and get involved
Beyond regulatory monitoring, TXSTRA is continuing to expand opportunities for members to connect and share information.
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As TXSTRA heads into the fall, the message from the September Community Update was clear: the regulatory environment continues to evolve, and a strong, engaged industry community will be essential to navigating what comes next.