Council OKs new rules for short-term rentals - Austin Monitor

"The new ordinance updates eligibility and licensing requirements and sets a new timeline for enforcement. Obligations for short-term rental (STR) platforms like Airbnb and VRBO such as requiring license numbers in listings and honoring delist notices, will now take effect July 1, 2026 - two months later than originally proposed. Other provisions, including licensing reforms and operator responsibilities, take effect Oct. 1, 2025."

"Council also approved changes to the city's spacing and capacity rules. Instead of measuring 1,000 feet between each short-term rental unit, the distance requirement will apply site-to-site, allowing up to two rentals per lot. In multifamily properties, the allowable share of licensed units was reduced from 25 percent to 10 percent, unless the building includes a commercial use, in which case the 25 percent cap remains."

"Tenants will now be eligible to apply for licenses if their leases permit it, with the license holder assuming responsibility for utilities. In those situations, the licensee would have to obtain written authorization from property owners before filing their applicatoin. Staff explained that licensing violations would be enforced against tenants, while property code issues such as unpermitted construction would remain the responsibility of owners."

City Council voted 10-0 with one abstention to approve a package of short-term rental regulations and amendments. The ordinance revises eligibility and licensing requirements and staggers enforcement: licensing reforms and operator responsibilities take effect Oct. 1, 2025, while platform obligations like listing license numbers and honoring delist notices take effect July 1, 2026. Spacing rules shift to site-to-site measurements allowing up to two rentals per lot, and multifamily licensed shares drop from 25 percent to 10 percent unless a commercial use exists. Tenants may apply for licenses if leases allow, with licensees responsible for utilities and owner authorization. Staff will explore provisional licenses and fee adjustments.

Read at Austin Monitor