Owners of Short-Term Rentals (STRs) are required to obtain an operating license annually (Ordinance No. 20160223-A.l). This law applies to all properties (including rooms and guest houses) rented for less than 30 consecutive days.
Due to staffing challenges, processing of short-term rental applications is taking 8-10 weeks. Please continue to utilize the options below to submit your STR application, we apologize for these unavoidable delays and are working diligently to review applications as quickly as possible. We appreciate your patience.
Thank You, STR Licensing and Registration Team Austin Code Department
To Apply For a License
1. Application
Click this link to find the STR license application for your type.
Click this link to apply online for a STR operating license.
2. $733.80 (non-refundable) Total Fee (includes $687.00 Application Fee, $45.00 Notification Fee, and $1.80 DSD Technology Fee)
Cash, check or money order payable to the City of Austin. The application fee is non-refundable.
The technology surcharge supports the City's permitting system, also known as the Application Management and Data Automation (AMANDA) system, and provides funding for technology upgrades as well as maintenance of existing systems, software, and hardware used to ensure successful departmental operations.
3. Proof of Property Insurance
Declarations, Information or Summary Pages from your Policy
4. Proof of Payment of City of Austin Hotel Occupancy Taxes (if applicable; IF you have been using your property as a Short-Term Rental then proof of hotel occupancy taxes is required)
Copy of canceled check, AND
Copy of the Most Recent Quarter Tax Report submitted to the City Controller’s Office, OR
If you have not had any renters in this quarter, a copy of the zero report filed
5. Certificate of Occupancy
Visit the Certificate of Occupancy webpage at Development Services for more information on how to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy.
6. Driver's License
For Type 1 Applications, the information on the driver’s license must match the information for the applicant property.
7. All 3rd Party Agents must have Notarized authorization from Owners allowing them to manage property. Please do not submit partial applications, all listed documents are required. Partial submissions will not be processed.
Mail Complete Application Packets To: City of Austin – Austin Code Department
Attn: Finance – STR
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
Online: Click here to visit the new online registration and renewal website.
Credit card, cash, check or money order payable to the City of Austin. The application fee is non-refundable.
2. Proof of Current Property Insurance
Declarations, Information or Summary Pages from your Policy
3. Proof of Payment of City of Austin Hotel Occupancy Taxes
Copy of canceled check used to pay HOT Fees, AND
Copy of the Most Recent Quarter Tax report submitted to the City Controller’s Office, OR
If you have not had any renters in this quarter, a copy of the zero report filed
The license must be renewed before it expires. If the owner and/or street address of the STR have changed, you MUST submit a new application with signatures from all owners and the owner’s agent, if applicable. If other application information has changed, the information must be sent in a letter signed by the owner, without having to submit a new application.
To renew the Operating License of your Short-Term Rental (STR), the required documents and licensing fee can be mailed, brought in to our office, or submitted online.
Mail to:
City of Austin – Austin Code Department
Attn: Finance – STR
PO Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
Online: Click here to visit the new online registration and renewal website