Regulations
Depending on where you live in the Lake Travis and Westlake area, your city may have policies regarding the allowance of short-term rentals, or STRs. Before you register your home with STR listing companies such as Airbnb, take a look at the regulations in your city, and then check out the list of companies that offer services for listing your STR or finding a vacation home in the area.
Bee Cave
STR definition: No definition exists in the city’s code. Policy: No policy exists in the city code. Some communities—including Ladera, Falconhead and Flintrock Falls—require residents to sign a minimum of a six-month lease, according to Alyssa Floyd, assistant community manager with FirstService Residential Austin. Violations: No policy exists in the city code.
Lakeway
STR definition: STRs are defined as the rental of a residential property for two to 27 consecutive days. Policy: A special-use permit is required. Permits are granted for one year and are renewable for two years. STRs must be located at least 1,000 feet from one another. Violations: Violators face suspension or revocation of their permits.
Rollingwood
STR definition: STRs are defined as the rental of any property for a period of less than one month. Policy: All STRs are prohibited as of September 2010 after Former Mayor Thom Farrell said City Council received complaints from neighbors. Violations: Violators face a misdemeanor punishable by a criminal penalty of $500 per day.
West Lake Hills
STR definition: No definition exists in the city’s code of ordinances. Policy: Regulations are being developed by the council’s STR subcommittee, which was formed after City Council received complaints from neighbors of STR owners last year. Violations: Regulations are being developed by the STR subcommittee.
Companies operating in the area
Founded in San Francisco in 2008, Airbnb is a community marketplace for people to list, discover and book accommodations throughout the world online or through a mobile app. www.airbnb.com
HomeAway is the world’s largest online marketplace for short-term vacation rentals, according to Public Relations Manager Adam Annen. The company was founded in Austin in 2005 and lists 1.2 million properties in 193 countries as of June 10. The company also owns other vacation rental websites such as VRBO.com and VacationRentals.com, in the U.S. as well as several websites throughout the world. It also operates BedandBreakfast.com, which helps users find bed-and-breakfast properties. www.homeaway.com
The newest STR agency to serve Austin, Oasis Collections, is a full-service property-management company that aims to help travelers experience a city through the eyes of a resident. The company offers concierge-like services, including greeting guests at the door of the STR with the home’s keys, and providing special amenities such as stocked refrigerators, gym memberships and access to private members’ clubs. www.oasiscollections.comAustin-based Turnkey Vacation Rentals is a full-service property-management company that launched fall 2013 and has 250 STR properties in the Austin area, with several homes in the Westlake/Lake Travis area. The company handles all logistics and guest relations services for STR owners, from booking through websites such as Airbnb and HomeAway to providing housekeeping and emergency maintenance. www.tunrkeyvr.com
*This list is not comprehensive.
