What is an STR Permit?
A Short-Term Rental (STR) permit is a license required by most cities to legally rent your property for periods less than 30 days. This includes rentals on platforms like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com.
STR regulations have expanded rapidly since 2019, with most major cities now requiring permits, registration, or licenses. Operating without proper permits can result in fines ranging from $500 to $10,000+ per violation.
Common Requirements
While requirements vary by city, most STR permits require:
Property Ownership Proof
Deed, title, or lease agreement with landlord permission
Liability Insurance
$500K-$1M coverage typically required
Local Contact Person
Someone within 30-60 minutes who can respond to issues
Safety Compliance
Smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, emergency info posted
City-by-City Guide
San Diego, CA
Permit Fee
$1,000 - $3,000/year
Processing Time
4-8 weeks
Renewal
Annual
TOT Tax
10.5%
San Diego has a tiered system: Tier 1 (Mission Beach) has a cap, Tier 2-4 have different requirements. Home-share (owner-occupied) permits are easier to obtain than whole-home rentals.
Los Angeles, CA
Registration Fee
$89/year
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
Rental Cap
120 days/year (non-primary)
TOT Tax
14%
LA requires primary residence status for most STR permits. Extended Home-Sharing permits allow unlimited nights but require additional approval.
Austin, TX
License Fee
$535/year
Processing Time
2-6 weeks
Type
Type 1, 2, or 3
HOT Tax
15%
Austin has three STR types: Type 1 (owner-occupied), Type 2 (non-owner-occupied in residential), Type 3 (commercial zones). Type 2 licenses are being phased out in some areas.
Application Process
Check Eligibility
Verify your property is in a zone that allows STRs. Check HOA rules, lease agreements, and local ordinances. Some areas have caps or outright bans.
Gather Documents
Collect proof of ownership, liability insurance certificate, floor plan, photos of safety equipment, and local contact information.
Submit Application
Most cities have online portals. Complete all forms, upload documents, and pay the application fee. Keep confirmation numbers.
Inspection (if required)
Some cities require a fire/safety inspection before issuing the permit. Schedule promptly to avoid delays.
Receive Permit & Post Number
Once approved, add your permit number to all listing platforms. Most cities require the number to be visible in listings and posted inside the property.
Annual Renewal
Most STR permits require annual renewal. The process is typically simpler than the initial application but still requires attention to deadlines.
Renewal Checklist
- Updated liability insurance certificate (must be current through renewal period)
- Confirm local contact information is still accurate
- Pay TOT/HOT taxes if not remitted through platform
- Submit renewal application 30-60 days before expiration
- Pay renewal fee
Common Issues & How to Avoid Them
❌ Insurance Lapses
Your permit can be suspended if insurance expires. Set calendar reminders 30 days before your policy renews and send updated certificates immediately.
❌ Noise Complaints
Multiple complaints can result in permit revocation. Use noise monitoring devices, set clear house rules, and respond quickly to neighbor concerns.
❌ Tax Non-Compliance
Failure to remit TOT/HOT taxes is a common violation. Use platforms that auto-collect, or set aside taxes from each booking and remit quarterly.
❌ Exceeding Rental Caps
Many cities limit non-primary residence rentals to 90-120 days/year. Track your nights carefully and stop accepting bookings before hitting the cap.