Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bexar County?

**No**, there is currently no local STR-specific license required in Bexar County, though state and county regulations may still apply. Because unincorporated Bexar County is unregulated at the local level, no land-use permit or zoning permission is required from the county to operate a short-term rental at this time.

What is the TOT tax rate in Bexar County?

**1.75%** is the County Hotel Occupancy Tax rate for short-term rentals in Bexar County. You need to register for and pay this tax for stays under 30 days. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the county. Be sure to check with the county for filing deadlines.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Bexar County?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are generally allowed in unincorporated Bexar County due to the lack of local regulations. Because Texas state laws limit county authority, short-term rentals are not prohibited at the local level. Always check with the Bexar County zoning office before operating a short-term rental to confirm compliance.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Bexar County?

**Yes**, tenants are able to host on Airbnb in Bexar County. Since the county does not regulate short-term rentals at the local level, there is no restriction preventing renters from listing properties on short-term rental platforms. However, renters should always check their lease agreements for any clauses prohibiting such activity.

What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Bexar County?

**Because** Bexar County does not have specific regulations for short-term rentals, there are no local penalties for operating without a permit. However, you need to comply with state and federal laws, including tax obligations. Failure to pay the 1.75% County Hotel Occupancy Tax can result in fines and penalties.

Bexar County, TX Short-Term Rental Laws

Gold Standard Verification

100%

Forensically verified with 3+ official sources

Verified: Jan 30, 2026

3 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Bexar County are unregulated at the local level due to Texas state laws limiting county authority. No land-use permit or zoning permission is required from the county to operate. The only mandatory requirement is the registration for and payment of the 1.75% County Hotel Occupancy Tax for stays under 30 days.

Restriction Level

✅

Permissive

Score: 0 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement
•Tenants can host

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Bexar County (outside San Antonio city limits), you do not need a special short-term rental permit. Texas counties do not have the power to tell you how to use your land, so you are free to rent your property without a license. However, you must register with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector to pay the 1.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax. You must also pay the 6% Texas state tax. If your property uses a septic system, make sure it is rated for the number of guests you host.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Verify your property is TRULY in an unincorporated area; many areas with San Antonio addresses are actually within the city limits and subject to San Antonio's strict STR permit rules.
2.Bexar County has NO zoning; this means a neighbor can also open a commercial business next to your STR without county intervention.
3.Texas counties cannot regulate STRs, but your HOA absolutely can. If you are in a subdivision, check your CC&Rs first.
4.The 1.75% County tax is SEPARATE from the 6% State tax. You are responsible for ensuring both are paid.
5.You must file a tax report every quarter even if you had zero bookings during that period.
6.Properties on septic systems are regulated by the Bexar County Public Works department; overloading a septic system with too many guests can lead to health code violations.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

•Bexar County: Texas counties cannot regulate STRs, but your HOA absolutely can. If you are in a subdivision, check your CC&Rs first.
•Bexar County allows tenants to host STRs. Requirements: Subject to lease agreement; the county does not regulate this.
•Bexar County: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.

Requirements(12)

•Common mistakes and gotchas for STR hosts in Bexar County: 1. Verify your property is TRULY in an unincorporated area; many areas with San Antonio addresses are actually within the city limits and subject to San Antonio's strict STR permit rules. 2. Bexar County has NO zoning; this means a neighbor can also open a commercial business next to your STR without county intervention. 3. Texas counties cannot regulate STRs, but your HOA absolutely can. If you are in a subdivision, check your CC&Rs first. 4. The 1.75% County tax is SEPARATE from the 6% State tax. You are responsible for ensuring both are paid. 5. You must file a tax report every quarter even if you had zero bookings during that period. 6. Properties on septic systems are regulated by the Bexar County Public Works department; overloading a septic system with too many guests can lead to health code violations.

Application Process(5)

•How to set up an STR in Bexar County: To host an Airbnb in unincorporated Bexar County (outside San Antonio city limits), you do not need a special short-term rental permit. Texas counties do not have the power to tell you how to use your land, so you are free to rent your property without a license. However, you must register with the Bexar County Tax Assessor-Collector to pay the 1.75% Hotel Occupancy Tax. You must also pay the 6% Texas state tax. If your property uses a septic system, make sure it is rated for the number of guests you host.

Taxes(4)

•Bexar County: You must file a tax report every quarter even if you had zero bookings during that period.
•Texas has a state sales tax of 6% that applies to STR rentals.
•Bexar County charges a Hotel Occupancy Tax of 1.75%. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax.
•Bexar County: The 1.75% County tax is SEPARATE from the 6% State tax. You are responsible for ensuring both are paid.

Limits & Restrictions(1)

•Bexar County: Verify your property is TRULY in an unincorporated area; many areas with San Antonio addresses are actually within the city limits and subject to San Antonio's strict STR permit rules.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Bexar County requires: smoke detectors.

Penalties(1)

•Bexar County enforces penalties: First offense: Interest and penalties on unpaid taxes.

Exemptions(3)

•Bexar County, TX: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
•Bexar County exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals 30+ days (county).

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Texas

Moderate

Dallas currently requires short-term rental registration and a 7% local Hotel Occupancy Tax. While the city passed a strict ordinance in 2023 that would have banned STRs in single-family residential zones, a June 2024 court injunction has temporarily blocked the city from enforcing those zoning restrictions and certain operational rules.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Rockport

Texas

Moderate

The City of Rockport requires all short-term rental operators to obtain an annual permit and undergo a safety inspection. Hosts must collect and remit a combined 10% local Hotel Occupancy Tax (8% City, 2% County) in addition to state taxes.

Permit required

0.2% total tax

El Paso

Texas

Permissive

The City of El Paso does not currently have a dedicated short-term rental permit or ordinance. However, all hosts are legally required to register and remit a 7% Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) to the city, in addition to Texas state-level taxes.

0.1% total tax

Frisco

Texas

Moderate

The City of Frisco requires all short-term rental hosts to obtain an annual permit and pay a $300 fee. Hosts must collect and remit a 7% city occupancy tax monthly in addition to the 6% state tax. Regulations include mandatory safety equipment, emergency contact posting, and a prohibition on renting to individuals under 21 years of age.

Permit required

0.1% total tax

Bexar County

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Create a free account

Regulation Details

Eligibility(8)

Requirements(12)

Application Process(5)

Taxes(4)

Limits & Restrictions(1)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(1)

Exemptions(3)

Create a free account

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Rockport

El Paso

Frisco

Bexar County

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

6 Things Hosts Often Miss

Frequently Asked Questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Bexar County?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Bexar County?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Bexar County?

4Can renters host on Airbnb in Bexar County?

5What happens if I operate an illegal STR in Bexar County?

Related Content

Other Texas Markets

Dallas

Rockport

El Paso

Frisco