Cincinnati, OH Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Under CMC Chapter 856 and the associated rules and regulations effective November 2023, Cincinnati requires all registered short-term rental operators to carry liability insurance for their rental units. Proof of liability insurance is one of the documents the city may request during registration or at any time during the registration period. Operators must maintain insurance coverage throughout the duration of their three-year STR registration. While the municipal code does not specify a minimum dollar amount for liability coverage, industry best practice and many hosting platforms recommend at least one million dollars in liability protection. Airbnb and VRBO offer host protection insurance programs, but Cincinnati operators should maintain their own separate policy to ensure continuous coverage that meets city expectations. Failure to maintain required insurance documentation may result in registration suspension. Operators should keep current insurance certificates readily accessible and update them promptly upon renewal. The Cincinnati Finance Department at (513) 352-3224 handles STR registration compliance inquiries.