Home / Cities / San Antonio

Is Airbnb legal in San Antonio, Texas?

Legal with a Type 2 permit, capped at 12.5% of each residential block face. San Antonio requires a Development Services STR permit for any stay under 30 days, valid three years and non-transferable. Investors use the Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) permit, which is limited to 12.5% of dwelling units on each residential block face, so a street can be full even when the city is not. The Type 2 fee rose to $1,000 per three years effective October 1, 2026.

Showing the researched rules for San Antonio, TX below. Type your San Antonio address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal with a Type 2 permit, capped at 12.5% of each residential block face

San Antonio requires a Development Services STR permit for any stay under 30 days, valid three years and non-transferable. Investors use the Type 2 (non-owner-occupied) permit, which is limited to 12.5% of dwelling units on each residential block face, so a street can be full even when the city is not. The Type 2 fee rose to $1,000 per three years effective October 1, 2026.

Permit and costs

Permit
STR Permit, Type 2 (non-owner-occupied)
Issued by
City of San Antonio Development Services Department
Cost
$1,000 / 3 years (effective October 1, 2026)
Renewal
Every 3 years

Key limits

Density cap
Type 2 capped at 12.5% of units per residential block face
Permit term
3 years, non-transferable, one permit per unit
Night cap
None
Events
Large events and serving food to guests are prohibited

Taxes

Combined hotel tax
17% (6% state, 9% city, 2% Bexar County after 2025 Prop B)

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Check the block face
    Ask Development Services whether your street still has Type 2 capacity under the 12.5% cap before paying anything.
  2. 2
    Apply through the city portal
    Submit the Type 2 application with a floor plan, parking plan, HOT registration proof, and liability insurance self-certification.
  3. 3
    Renew on time
    Renewal is due before expiration, since a lapsed permit re-enters as a new application against the current cap.

What could change this verdict

Your HOA
Deed restrictions and HOA rules can still prohibit STRs where the city allows them.
The block cap
A neighboring Type 2 rental can take the last slot on your block face while your permit is lapsed or pending.

Sources

BNBCalc San Antonio STR regulations 2026 · STR Association of San Antonio fee update

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

Want this verified for your exact address?

$75 per address
  • Verdict for your parcel, not just the city
  • Permit name, fee, and renewal schedule
  • Night caps, occupancy rules, and key limits
  • Tax rates and a step-by-step checklist

Free during early access. Run the free address check

Also check

Austin, TX Dallas, TX Fort Worth, TX Galveston, TX All 103 cities
Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.