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

Permissive

TexasUpdated Apr 13, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

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

Severity 0

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

No night cap
No primary residence requirement
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

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

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify 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.
2Bexar County has NO zoning; this means a neighbor can also open a commercial business next to your STR without county intervention.
3Texas counties cannot regulate STRs, but your HOA absolutely can. If you are in a subdivision, check your CC&Rs first.
4The 1.75% County tax is SEPARATE from the 6% State tax. You are responsible for ensuring both are paid.
5You must file a tax report every quarter even if you had zero bookings during that period.
6Properties 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

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

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.

Requirements12 rules

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 process5 rules

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.

Taxes4 rules

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 & restrictions1 rule

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 requirements1 rule

Bexar County requires: smoke detectors.

Penalties1 rule

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

Exemptions3 rules

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).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes 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.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Bexar County

Permissive

TexasUpdated Apr 13, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 3 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 3

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 0

Classification

Permissive

Severity

Why this classification

No night cap
No primary residence requirement
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredNo

Night limitNone

Primary residenceNot required

Total tax rate0.1%

6 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1Verify 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.
2Bexar County has NO zoning; this means a neighbor can also open a commercial business next to your STR without county intervention.
3Texas counties cannot regulate STRs, but your HOA absolutely can. If you are in a subdivision, check your CC&Rs first.
4The 1.75% County tax is SEPARATE from the 6% State tax. You are responsible for ensuring both are paid.
5You must file a tax report every quarter even if you had zero bookings during that period.
6Properties 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

Sourced from official code

Eligibility8 rules

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.

Requirements12 rules

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 process5 rules

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.

Taxes4 rules

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 & restrictions1 rule

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 requirements1 rule

Bexar County requires: smoke detectors.

Penalties1 rule

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

Exemptions3 rules

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).

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

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?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

6 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

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?

Disclaimer