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Buena Park, CA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified June 2026

Key Facts

Liability coverage
Not less than $1,000,000 covering the STR (§ 19.348.080(E)(12))
Platform exception
Allowed if hosting platform maintains equal or greater coverage
Proof at application
Proof of insurance or a $1,000,000 quote required with application
Hold harmless
Written hold-harmless and indemnification agreement required
Indemnified parties
City, officials, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents
Governing law
Buena Park Municipal Code § 19.348.080 (Ord. No. 1675)

Summary

Buena Park short-term rental hosts must maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 covering the rental, unless it is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage. Proof of insurance (or a quote) is required with the application, along with a hold-harmless and indemnification agreement.

A host shall maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 to cover each short-term rental unless such short-term rental is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

080(E)(12) requires that a host maintain liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 to cover each short-term rental, unless the rental is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage. ' The application materials summarized by the city require proof of insurance, or a quote, in the amount of $1,000,000 covering the short-term rental property. In addition to insurance, the application requires a written agreement to hold harmless, indemnify, and defend the City - including its elected officials, officers, employees, contractors, volunteers, and agents - against any and all claims and liabilities arising out of or related to the issuance of the STR permit, to the maximum extent permitted by law.

The platform-coverage exception means hosts who rent exclusively through a service such as Airbnb that provides at least $1,000,000 of host liability coverage may rely on that coverage; otherwise the host must carry their own policy. The $1,000,000 limit is consistent with the level commonly required by California cities for short-term rentals. Insurance and indemnification together shift liability risk away from the city as a condition of operating.

Violations & Fines

Operating without the required $1,000,000 liability coverage (and without qualifying platform coverage) violates the permit conditions and Section 19.348.080, prosecutable as a misdemeanor or infraction under Chapter 1.04. Lapsed coverage is grounds for the Director to suspend or revoke the permit, and the host remains bound by the hold-harmless and indemnification agreement regardless.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much insurance do I need for a short-term rental in Buena Park?
Section 19.348.080(E)(12) requires liability insurance of not less than $1,000,000 covering the short-term rental. You can satisfy this with your own policy, or by renting only through a hosting platform such as Airbnb that maintains equal or greater host liability coverage. Proof of insurance or a quote is required at application.
Can I rely on Airbnb's host protection instead of buying my own policy?
Yes, if the platform's coverage meets the threshold. The ordinance excuses the host from carrying separate insurance when the rental is offered through a hosting platform that maintains equal or greater coverage than the $1,000,000 limit. You still must sign the city's hold-harmless and indemnification agreement.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Buena Park

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