Airbnb host licensing in San Antonio

Operating a short-term rental (STR) in San Antonio requires understanding and complying with the city's regulations designed to balance tourism growth with neighborhood preservation. This guide covers the essential steps to legally obtain an Airbnb license in San Antonio.

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Types of Short-Term Rental Licenses in San Antonio

1. Type 1 STR License (Owner-Occupied)

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• Applies to properties that are the owner’s primary residence.

• The owner must reside on the property and may rent out the entire home or individual rooms.

• No annual limit on rental days.

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2. Type 2 STR License (Non-Owner-Occupied)

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• For properties where the owner does not live on-site.

• Common for investment and vacation homes.

• Subject to zoning restrictions and additional operational rules.

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Key Requirements for STR Licensing in San Antonio

1. Zoning Compliance

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• Confirm your property is in a zone that allows STRs via the San Antonio Zoning Map.

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2. Proof of Ownership or Lease Agreement

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• Owners must provide proof of ownership.

• Tenants need a notarized letter from the property owner granting permission to operate an STR.

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3. Business Tax Registration

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• Apply for a San Antonio Business Tax Registration to operate legally.

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4. Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) Registration

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• Register to collect and remit the Hotel Occupancy Tax (16.75%) for stays under 30 days.

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5. Safety and Health Compliance

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• Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

• Provide fire extinguishers and maintain safety equipment.

• Ensure compliance with local building and safety codes.

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6. Neighbor Notification

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• Notify adjacent property owners about your intent to operate a short-term rental.

• Provide contact details for complaints or emergencies.

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Application Process for an Airbnb License in San Antonio

Step 1: Verify Zoning and Apply for Permit

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• Check zoning compliance and apply via the City of San Antonio STR Portal.

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Step 2: Register for Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

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• Register to collect and remit the HOT tax to the city.

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Step 3: Submit Required Documents

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• Proof of ownership or lease.

• Neighbor notification documentation.

• Safety compliance documentation.

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Step 4: Pay Licensing Fees

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• Type 1 License: $100 annually

• Type 2 License: $200 annually

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Step 5: Display Permit Number

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• Display your permit number on all listings (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.).

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Penalties for Non-Compliance

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Non-compliance with San Antonio's STR regulations can lead to:

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• Fines: Starting at $500 per violation.

• License Suspension or Revocation: For repeated violations.

• Legal Action: Possible legal proceedings for ongoing violations.

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How Lodge Compliance Can Help

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Lodge Compliance simplifies the Airbnb licensing process in San Antonio by offering:

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• Permit Application Assistance: Guided support through the application process.

• Compliance Monitoring: Stay updated on regulatory changes.

• Operational Support: Implement health and safety standards for compliance.

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Ready to operate your Airbnb legally in San Antonio? Request a Demo to learn how Lodge Compliance can help you secure your license and stay compliant.

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Operate Legally and Maximize Your Earnings

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San Antonio's short-term rental market offers significant income potential. By following the city’s regulations and maintaining high operational standards, you can build a successful and legally compliant Airbnb business.