Buffalo, NY Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Initial registration fee (1-unit)
- $100
- Initial registration fee (2-unit)
- $100
- Annual renewal fee (1-unit)
- $50 (effective Jan. 1, 2025)
- Annual renewal fee (2-unit)
- $100 (effective Jan. 1, 2025)
- Inspection fee (after 2nd failed inspection)
- $75 per inspection
- Exemptions
- Owner-occupied ≤2-unit; hotels; motels; B&Bs; rooming houses; buildings with valid CO
Summary
All rental dwelling units in Buffalo must be registered annually with the City. Registration requires paying an initial fee of $100 and annual renewal fees; failure to register can result in doubled fees, fines, and a notice to vacate.
§ 264-3.A. No person shall allow to be occupied, or rent to another for occupancy, any dwelling unit unless the owner has first obtained a rental dwelling unit registration certificate as hereafter provided.
§ 264-3.B. The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to owner-occupied properties containing two or fewer dwelling units; hotels; motels; bed-and-breakfast establishments; rooming or boarding houses; hospitals; nursing homes; or other dwelling units which offer or provide medical or nursing services...
§ 264-21.A. The fee, to be submitted at the time of application, for the issuance of a rental dwelling unit registration certificate and the first year fee shall be $100 for a rental dwelling unit in a single-family dwelling and $100 for a two-unit rental dwelling.
§ 264-21.B. The owner of a rental dwelling unit shall pay an annual renewal fee of $50 for a single-unit rental dwelling and $100 for a two-unit rental dwelling, commencing on January 1, 2025, and payable each year thereafter.
Full Breakdown
Owner-occupied properties with two or fewer units are exempt, as are hotels, motels, B&Bs, rooming/boarding houses, hospitals, and buildings with valid certificates of occupancy. Owners who do not reside in Erie County must designate a local contact. Registration certificates expire one year after issuance. Properties built before 1978 require a lead certification process as part of registration. The registration fee is $100 for a single-family or two-unit rental initially; annual renewal is $50 (single-unit) or $100 (two-unit).
Violations & Fines
Annual fee doubles 30 days after the due date; a $75 fine is imposed 60 days after the due date; notice to vacate may be issued 30 days after due date after notice to owner and occupants. Maximum penalty: $1,500 or 15 days imprisonment per offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the registration requirement apply if I rent out my basement apartment while living upstairs?
What happens if I miss the renewal deadline?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York rental property rules overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.