Regulations
Depending on where residents live in south Montgomery County, the area may have policies regarding the allowance of short-term rentals, or STRs. Before registering a home with STR listing companies like Airbnb, take a look at the specific regulations and then check out the list of companies that offer services for listing an STR or finding a vacation home in the area.
The Woodlands STR definition: STRs are not allowed in the township. Policy: The Development Standards Committee is working on a policy that will clearly define what is and what is not allowed regarding STR agreements. Violations: Residents are sent a notice of violation. The offense is not fineable, however, the township will send out a cease and desist letter when necessary.
Oak Ridge North STR definition: STRs are not allowed in the city. Policy: STRs do not meet home occupation criteria and are considered lodging. Violations: Making any dwelling in Oak Ridge North an STR violates the city’s zoning ordinance. Violators would face a $2,000-per-day fine.
Shenandoah STR definition: No definition exists in the city’s code of ordinances. Policy: No policy exists in the city’s code of ordinances. Violations: No policy exists in the city’s code of ordinances.
Spring STR definition: No definition exists in the county’s code of ordinances. Policy: In this unincorporated area of south Montgomery County, there are no regulations for short-term rental or lease prices. Violations: No policy exists in the county’s code of ordinances.
Companies operating in Texas
Although short-term rentals like Airbnb are not allowed in all municipalities in south Montgomery County, residents can use these services when traveling to other parts of Texas or the U.S.
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 conciergelike 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.com
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. 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
Austin-based Turnkey Vacation Rentals is a full-service property-management company that launched in fall 2013. 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.turnkeyvr.com
*This list is not comprehensive.
