Opponents called the rentals a nuisance, landowners aren’t registering their rentals and the city wasn’t collecting  hotel taxes. Lots of Austinites leave town and rent their homes during SXSW and ACL weekends. Why not? You can make some good money!

Some neighborhood groups raised concerns earlier this year pushing for strict regulations, saying it will be to the detriment of urban neighborhoods, schools and affordability.

According to the Statesman, the commission approved a new rule that will separate short-terms rentals into two groups: 

1.  owner-occupied, a registered homestead and rented out less than 90 days per year – This group of homes will need a health and safety inspection
2. not owner-occupied, a registered homestead or rented out 90 days or more. – requires that and a conditional use permit from the city, which entails a public hearing with the planning commission and possibly with the city council. The second type of homes also couldn’t be within 1,000 feet of another type-two rental or a bed and breakfast

All rentals can have their registration revoked if the property has three or more valid complaints regarding actions by tenants.

Short term renters will be treated like residents and Austinites can go about renting their homes to folks from out of town. Good work, Austin!