San Antonio City Council Moves to Revoke Short-Term Rental Permit for Non-Payment of Taxes

San Antonio's city officials are taking decisive action to ensure compliance among short-term rental (STR) operators following a recent meeting of the Adjustment Board on August 18, 2025. The board addressed significant issues regarding the reporting and payment of taxes by STR operators, particularly those utilizing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo.

During the meeting, it was revealed that numerous operators had failed to report their earnings and pay the required taxes from April 2024 to February 2025. The city's finance department has issued 37 notifications to these operators, warning them of potential consequences for non-compliance. The board emphasized that failure to report taxes within a 90-day period could lead to the revocation of their operating permits, effective July 1.

One specific case discussed involved a property at 54 Vista Trail, where the staff recommended revoking the STR permit due to the operator's failure to pay taxes and report earnings. Despite attempts to communicate with the operator, compliance was not achieved, prompting the board's recommendation for permit revocation.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of timely communication, as the operator's family members argued that notifications were missed due to emails being directed to spam folders. However, the board maintained that the responsibility lies with the operators to ensure they receive and respond to official communications.

As the board moves forward, operators who do not comply with tax reporting requirements will face strict penalties, reinforcing the city's commitment to regulating short-term rentals effectively. This decision is expected to enhance accountability within the STR market and ensure that all operators contribute fairly to local tax revenues. The board's actions signal a clear message: compliance is not optional, and the city will take necessary steps to uphold its regulations.