With current questions about Airbnb's search algorithm, ( https://community.withairbnb.com/t5/Hosting/What-are-your-questions-on-how-Airbnb-search-works/td-p/... ), I felt like now might be a good time to write this post.  Yes, how much your home shows up in search is related to whether or not you are a Superhost. 

Late last year, the City of San Antonio, TX passed a law requiring all STR's, (short-term rental properties), to obtain a permit if the rental home was/is located within San Antonio's city limits, (tax rate of 9%), and Bexar County, (additional amount of 1.75%).  The law was implemented in February 2019.  https://www.sanantonio.gov/DSD/Resources/Codes#176642678-short-term-rental

Getting my STR permit wasn't that expensive at $100, however, it required that I submit a floor plan of my home that showed the location of all fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide detectors as well as escape/evacuation routes in the event of an emergency and agreeing to no more than 2 people per bedroom.  In short, I view it as a commitment to provide my guests a home that is safe and legal.  It also means that I pay 10.75% in taxes on my ALL of my Airbnb income.  This includes cleaning fees, extra person fees as well as my nightly rate. 

As I have sought to understand why my home would or would not show up in search, I have spent, quite literally, hours on the phone with Airbnb asking questions.  I was told at one point that current Superhosts would lose their status during the, (now past), April 1st review if they did not have an STR permit, thereby negatively impacting their search results.  This clearly is not the case as there are other Superhosts in my local area, (same exact zip code), who do not have their STR permit.  As they are not paying almost 11% tax, some Superhosts lower their nightly room/house rate or advertise, "no additional fees" and/or "no cleaning fee".   FYI:  In order to see whether or not a host/listing has a permit, you have to click on the "Read more about the space" link and scroll down.  If the location has an STR, you will see the number listed. 

Note:  there are many places that do not require permits, I am specifically referring to the places that do require permitting.  While ultimately you need to check with the city you live in, Airbnb offers some limited answers here:  https://www.airbnb.com/help/topic/264/local-tax.  (You must be logged into your hosting dashboard). 

To this moment, I can still go search Airbnb anonymously, apply the "Superhost" filter and homes that have no permit and are therefore operating illegally, are shown before mine.

It just seems odd to me that Airbnb is rewarding hosts who are operating illegally with the "Superhost" badge and a boost in search results.  Would love to hear how other hosts feel about this and/or if you too have been effected.