STR Compliance
Short-Term Rental Regulation Guides
Clear, practical guides to STR rules for vacation rental owners in Austin and Dripping Springs. Know what is required, what changed, and what is coming.
July 1, 2026: Airbnb and Vrbo must begin delisting unlicensed Austin STR properties. If you are not yet licensed, start the process now.
Published Guides
Austin Short-Term Rental Regulations 2026
Complete guide to Austin STR licensing, the October 2025 regulatory overhaul, the July 2026 platform enforcement deadline, and hotel occupancy tax requirements.
- License required for all stays under 30 days — fines up to $500/day without one
- Licenses now valid for 2 years under the October 2025 framework
- July 1, 2026: platforms must delist unlicensed properties
- 17% combined hotel occupancy tax (11% city/venue + 6% state)
Dripping Springs Short-Term Rental Rules 2026
Guide to Dripping Springs STR regulations, including the 7% local hotel occupancy tax that platforms do not remit, quarterly filing requirements, and compliance obligations.
- 7% local HOT applies in both city limits and the ETJ
- Airbnb and Vrbo do NOT collect this tax — owners must remit quarterly
- Combined rate is 13% (7% city + 6% state)
- Texas HB 2433 (June 2026) may shift HOT collection to platforms
We Handle This For You
Compliance Is Part of Co-Hosting
Between Austin's licensing requirements, quarterly HOT filings in Dripping Springs, the July 2026 platform enforcement deadline, and local contact obligations, staying compliant has real operational overhead, especially for owners who do not live locally.
- We stay current on Austin and Dripping Springs STR regulations
- We can serve as your designated local contact for Austin's 2-hour response requirement
- We guide you through the licensing process and help coordinate tax filing resources
- We keep you informed when regulations change and action is required
Austin vs. Dripping Springs: Key Differences
Yes. All Austin STR properties must hold an active city license. Operating without one risks fines up to $500/day. Platforms must begin delisting unlicensed listings July 1, 2026.
No. Unlike Austin (where platforms have collected and remitted city HOT since April 2025), Airbnb and Vrbo do not remit the 7% Dripping Springs local HOT. Owners must collect and file quarterly.
Austin: 17% combined (9% city + 2% venue + 6% state). Dripping Springs: 13% combined (7% city + 6% state). In both cases, the state 6% is collected by platforms.
Questions About STR Compliance in Your Area?
Book a free consultation. We will walk through your property's specific licensing and tax obligations and make sure nothing catches you off guard.
Or text us at 737-332-3322.
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