With the help of services like Airbnb, short-term renting has become extremely popular in Austin over the past five years. But how simple is it really to rent your apartment or home? There are a few steps you’ll have to check off if you want to become part of the rental scene in ATX.
How to Obtain a License, According to AustinTexas.gov
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Complete a Short Term Rental License Application
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Pay a $572 Non-Refundable Fee
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Show Proof of Property Insurance
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Show Proof of Payment of City of Austin Hotel Occupancy Taxes
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Obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Development Services Department
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Give a Photocopy of Driver’s License
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Have Notarized Authorization from Owners (if you are a third-party agent)
How to Renew Your License
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Pay a $313 Non-Refundable Fee
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Show Proof of Property Insurance
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Show Proof of Payment of City of Austin Hotel Occupancy Taxes
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Renew License Before Expiration
Not All Short-Term Rentals Are Created Equal
When it comes to STRs, there are three types of rentals that determine the rules governing how you apply and who may be eligible for obtaining that necessary license.
Type 1: Owner Occupied (Single-Family, Multi-Family, or Duplex)
Type 2: Not Owner-Occupied (Single-Family or Duplex)
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Include rental of the entire dwelling
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The City of Austin has a cap on the percentage of this type of STR
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Only allowed in specified commercial zoning districts
Type 3: Not Owner-Occupied (Multi-Family)
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Part of the apartment complex, condo, etc.
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Include rental of the entire unit
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Owners must comply with geographic caps
How to Keep Your Home Safe When Renting
When renting your home, whether it’s an apartment unit or a room in a house, there are a few things you can do to keep your possessions safe and in perfect condition.
Secure the Exterior. Install a home security system that is easy for renters to navigate but effective enough to provide accurate security coverage while you’re away and no one is renting.
Talk to other owners. Talk with other STR owners in your area as they likely have their own systems in place for keeping their home safe when strangers are renting.
List through a service like Airbnb. By listing through a rental service, you’ll be able to upload clear house rules, communicate with renters easily, and have a third party if anything goes wrong.
Fix any hazards beforehand. If there’s anything that could be hazardous to renters, fix it before they get there — you don’t want to be liable if they are injured due to something that could have been prevented.
Remove personal items and valuables. Leave your home for renters in a state similar to that of a hotel. Remove personal items, valuables, and keepsakes so there’s no room for them to end up missing or be used as a means of investigating your personal life.
If you’re thinking about renting your abode short-term for extra income, we have plenty of agents who can work with you to answer questions you may have! Visit our agent page today. (
moreland.com/agents)
