Austin Warns Short-Term Rental Owners of July 1 Registration Deadline

City to require STR platforms to remove unlicensed properties from websites

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The city of Austin has notified property owners operating short-term rentals (STRs) that they have until July 1 to register for a license. The new regulations, approved in September 2025, set certain requirements on STR owners such as space between units and the ratio of STRs to traditional rentals. A key provision is that the city will ask STR platforms to remove unlicensed properties from their websites.

Why it matters

The new STR regulations aim to address concerns about the impact of short-term rentals on housing availability and neighborhood character in Austin. By requiring registration and setting operational limits, the city hopes to strike a balance between supporting the STR industry and preserving the character of residential areas.

The details

Property owners will need to pay a $836.30 fee for a new STR license or $385.30 for a renewal. They will also need to show they live in the Austin-Round Rock Metro Area. The registration no longer requires a certificate of occupancy or proof of insurance.

  • The Austin City Council approved changes to STR regulations in September 2025.
  • The new registration deadline is July 1, 2026.

The players

Austin City Council

The local governing body that approved the new short-term rental regulations.

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What’s next

After the July 1 deadline, the city will instruct short-term rental platforms to remove any unlicensed properties from their websites.

The takeaway

Austin's new short-term rental regulations aim to balance the needs of the STR industry with preserving the character of the city's neighborhoods, requiring property owners to register and meet certain operational limits.