Victoria is working on a short-term rental registration rule

In spring 2026, the Victoria City Council approved a proposed rule for short-term rentals on first reading. A short-term rental is a home or apartment rented for fewer than 30 days at a time — think Airbnb or VRBO. Under the proposed rule, operators would need to register with the city. The registration fee is $25 and renews every two years. The city would also extend its hotel occupancy tax to cover these rentals.

Under the proposal, operators would have 60 days from the rule's effective date to register or apply. This rule, if finalized, would apply inside the city of Victoria. If your property is in an unincorporated part of the county, city rules generally do not apply. Check with Victoria County if you are unsure. Visit victoriatx.gov for the current status of the ordinance and its effective date, as local rules can change.