Overview: Are short‑term rentals allowed in Manor, TX?

Yes. Short‑term rentals (STRs) are allowed in Manor, Texas, but they are strictly regulated. Manor City Ordinance No. 799 explicitly regulates STRs and requires a valid city permit to own or operate any short‑term rental—defined as any residential structure or portion thereof used for lodging accommodations to occupants for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days. Hotels, motels, bed‑and‑breakfasts, executive suites, and other non‑residential uses are not considered STRs under the ordinance. Ordinance No. 799 amends Chapter 11 (Taxation) of the Manor Code of Ordinances and is the controlling law for STRs in Manor.

In practice, investors should expect:

• A formal permitting process with detailed disclosures.
• Compliance duties tied to safety, taxes, and neighbor notification.
• Enforceability tools for the City, including denial, revocation, and penalties for non‑compliance.

Source: Manor STR Ordinance (Ordinance No. 799) — mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/manortx-meet-15745159247449848892aa257b8190ef/ITEM-Attachment-001-7e706af55c114b93a5faad7bb8687a94.pdf

How to start a short‑term rental business in Manor (Step‑by‑step)

1. Verify property eligibility and zoning

• Confirm the property is within City of Manor limits. Manually verify the address with Travis County and the Manor zoning map. If the property is in an unincorporated area or Manor’s extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), city STR rules typically do not apply, but HOA rules and county/state requirements still matter.

2. Obtain a City of Manor Short‑Term Rental Permit

• Prepare the city application and non‑refundable fee; Manor directs applicants to review Ordinance No. 799 for full requirements, documentation, and process.
• Submit your application to the City Secretary’s Office (see contact details below).

3. Comply with Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT)

• Register for and remit HOT to the City. Ordinance No. 799 requires owners/operators to remain current on all hotel occupancy taxes owed to the City under the Texas Tax Code; failure to pay is grounds for permit revocation.
• Collect local HOT from guests and remit as required; maintain records.

4. Safety and guest‑facing compliance setup

• Equip the property with required safety devices; post the permit, occupancy limits, and local contact information inside the entrance; and provide guests with emergency info, parking plan, floor plan with evacuation routes, and a summary of local rules (noise, parking, water conservation, emergency protocols).

5. Neighbor notification

• Within ten (10) days of permit issuance, provide written notice to neighbors within 200 feet (mail, email, or hand delivery) that includes the permit number, owner and operator names, local contact info, and a City website for posted information.

6. Renew annually

• The permit expires one year after issuance or upon a change in ownership. Apply to renew at least thirty (30) days before expiration; include updated information and a $50 renewal fee.

Source: City of Manor “Get Your Business Licensed and Permitted” — biz101.manortx.gov/certifications-licenses; Ordinance No. 799 (see above).

Required documents, permits, licenses, and guidelines

Manor STR Permit Application – required information includes:

• Physical address of the STR and number of bedrooms; number of off‑street parking spaces available on the property.
• Owner’s name, address, email, and phone; if owner is not an individual, the name/address/email of a natural person legally authorized to act for the owner.
• Operator’s name, address, email, and phone; written owner verification authorizing the operator; if operator is not an individual, the name/address/email of a natural person legally authorized to act for the operator.
• Names and website links of all internet platforms used to advertise or take reservations within a 12‑month period from application date.
• Name, address, email, and 24‑hour phone number of a local contact person.
• A statement of compliance with this Chapter and all applicable state and local laws (including Fire and Building Code requirements for occupancy, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers); attestation of liability for violations.
• Verification that the owner has no delinquent hotel occupancy taxes due on the residential premises.
• Any additional information deemed necessary by the City Council.

Required property and guest‑facing items:

• Short‑term rental permit, including City permit number, displayed conspicuously at the entrance and included in all marketing (including online advertisements).
• Occupancy limit posted at the entrance.
• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with alarms, as required by adopted codes.
• At least one working type A fire extinguisher inspected within the last calendar year.
• Each bedroom must have a working window for emergency exit.
• A local contact person; their contact information must be prominently posted in the rental and provided to all occupants.
• City contact information, website, emergency numbers, a parking plan identifying available spaces, a floor plan identifying bedrooms, other living spaces, and emergency evacuation routes.
• A summary of applicable local regulations and restrictions (parking, noise, water conservation, emergency management).
• Written neighbor notice within 200 feet within ten (10) days of permit issuance; update neighbors when contact information changes.

Permit logistics:

• Fee: set by City Council; renewal fee is $50.
• Permits are not transferable or assignable.
• Expiration: one year from issuance or upon a change in ownership.
• Renewal: submit application at least thirty (30) days before expiration with updated information and signed affirmation of accuracy.
• Denial and revocation grounds include false/misleading information, delinquent taxes/fees/fines, failure to provide required information, pending violations, and repeated substantiated violations over a 24‑month period.
• Appeals: filed with the City Manager within ten (10) calendar days of notice; City Manager hears within thirty (30) days; decision is final.

If serving alcohol at the STR (events, gatherings), you must obtain both TABC authorization and the City of Manor Alcohol Beverage Permit:

• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) application and approval process: www.tabc.texas.gov/services/tabc-licenses-permits/tabc-license-permit-types/
• City of Manor Alcoholic Beverage Permit Application (2024): www.manortx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/323/Alcohol-Beverage-Permit-Application-2024-PDF
• City of Manor Alcohol Beverage Permit information page: www.manortx.gov/203/Alcohol-Beverage-Permit
• Note: The City requires the state approval and charges a city fee equal to one‑half of the State fee; both permits must be posted at the place of business.

Sources: Ordinance No. 799; City of Manor Certifications & Licenses page; TABC and City Alcohol links above.

Specific STR regulations (City of Manor) and state‑level context

Manor (City) STR regulations (Ordinance No. 799):

• Definition: STR means any residential structure (single‑family home, accessory structure, unit in an apartment or condominium) used for lodging for fewer than thirty (30) consecutive days; properties advertised on a nightly basis but rented for longer than 30 days still fall into this category. Hotels, motels, bed‑and‑breakfasts, executive suites, and other non‑residential uses are excluded.
• Permit requirement: Unlawful to own or operate an STR without a valid permit.
• Application contents: Detailed owner/operator contact info, local contact person (available 24/7), platform links, safety compliance statements, parking and bedroom counts, and tax status.
• Permit issuance: City Manager or designee issues upon completeness, current taxes/fees, and compliance.
• Denial grounds: False/misleading info; delinquent taxes/fees/fines; incomplete application; pending violations; repeated violations over prior 24 months (frequency, intent/knowledge, endangerment considered).
• Changes and transfers: Report changes within ten (10) days; permits are not transferable.
• Neighbor notification: Within ten (10) days of issuance, notify neighbors within 200 feet; include permit number, owner/operator names, local contact info, and city website posting.
• Guest‑facing posting and documentation: Permit number and occupancy limit at entrance; safety devices; fire extinguisher inspection; contact info posted; parking plan; floor plan and evacuation routes; local rules summary.
• Hotel occupancy tax: Must remain current; failure is a violation and grounds for revocation.
• Revocation: Ten (10) day cure period after notice; grounds include violations of city/state/federal law; false application info; failure to notify changes; failure to pay taxes or fees; reinstatement allowed upon remedy and $50 fee.
• Appeals: Written appeal to City Manager within ten (10) days; hearing within thirty (30) days; decision is final.
• Penalties: As prescribed by Article 11.04 (Hotel Occupancy Tax); in addition to other criminal/civil remedies available to the City.

Travis County and State of Texas:

• Texas leaves STR regulation primarily to local governments; many unincorporated areas have no municipal STR rules (investors should still verify HOA restrictions and state tax obligations).
• Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) is imposed by the state, counties, and in some cases cities. Rates vary by jurisdiction; investors must register, collect, and remit applicable HOT. In Manor's Travis County context, expect to collect both state (6%) and local (county and, where applicable, city) HOT. Always verify current rates with the Texas Comptroller and the City before operating.
• Sales/use tax considerations may apply to certain amenities or services; consult the Texas Comptroller guidance based on your business model.

Sources: Ordinance No. 799; Texas legislative context summarized in a Central Texas STR overview — www.shesellsaustin.com/blog/thinking-about-buying-a-short-term-rental-in-the-austin-area-heres-your-complete-breakdown-on-the-rules-and-regulations-for-operating-a-vacation-rental-in-central-texas; and the City’s licensing page for state‑level permit context.

Contact information for local authority in charge of STRs

City of Manor – City Secretary’s Office (Permit Intake and Alcohol Permits):

• Address: 105 E. Eggleston Street, PO BOX 387, Manor, TX 78653
• Phone: (512) 272‑5555
• Email: permits@manortx.gov
• City Portal: www.manortx.gov/

For Short‑Term Rental permitting specifics and STR application forms:

• Start at the City’s “Get Your Business Licensed and Permitted” page and then proceed to the City Secretary’s Office for submission.

For Alcohol Beverage Permits:

• City information page (alcohol permitting and process): www.manortx.gov/203/Alcohol-Beverage-Permit

For state‑level alcohol licensing:

• TABC licensing portal: www.tabc.texas.gov/services/tabc-licenses-permits/tabc-license-permit-types/

For Texas Hotel Occupancy Tax registration and reporting:

• Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts: comptroller.texas.gov/

For Texas Food Manager Certification (if you plan to serve food):

• Texas Department of State Health Services: www.dshs.texas.gov/food-managers/default.aspx

Source links (for verification and deeper reading)

• City of Manor – Get Your Business Licensed and Permitted (STR Permit Guidance) — biz101.manortx.gov/certifications-licenses
• City of Manor – Short‑Term Rental Ordinance No. 799 (Full Text) — mccmeetingspublic.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/manortx-meet-15745159247449848892aa257b8190ef/ITEM-Attachment-001-7e706af55c114b93a5faad7bb8687a94.pdf
• City of Manor – Alcohol Beverage Permit Information — www.manortx.gov/203/Alcohol-Beverage-Permit
• City of Manor – Alcoholic Beverage Permit Application (2024) — www.manortx.gov/DocumentCenter/View/323/Alcohol-Beverage-Permit-Application-2024-PDF
• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) – License/Permit Types — www.tabc.texas.gov/services/tabc-licenses-permits/tabc-license-permit-types/
• Texas Department of State Health Services – Food Manager Certification — www.dshs.texas.gov/food-managers/default.aspx
• She Sells Austin – Central Texas STR Rules and Municipal Overview — www.shesellsaustin.com/blog/thinking-about-buying-a-short-term-rental-in-the-austin-area-heres-your-complete-breakdown-on-the-rules-and-regulations-for-operating-a-vacation-rental-in-central-texas
• Vacation Rental Market Overview (Manor) – Summer – www.gosummer.com/vacation-rental-management/manor-texas

If you would like, I can also prepare a simple pre‑opening compliance checklist tailored to your specific property and intended operations (e.g., events, food service, multiple units), or identify next‑day action items to streamline your application.