NYC does not mandate a specific STR liability policy, but Local Law 18 registration requires certain disclosures and most co-op or condo boards require additional liability coverage.
New York County (Manhattan) does not impose a specific statutory minimum liability insurance amount for short-term rentals beyond general NYC and NY State insurance requirements for residential property. However, the practical insurance obligations for Manhattan STR hosts are substantial. Standard homeowner or renter insurance policies typically exclude or limit commercial activity including short-term renting, meaning hosts must add a business endorsement or purchase a dedicated home-sharing policy to cover guest injuries, property damage, and liability claims. Booking platforms such as Airbnb provide host protection programs (AirCover) with coverage limits that may be insufficient for Manhattan exposure. Co-op and condo boards commonly require hosts to carry 1 million dollars or more in liability insurance naming the building as additional insured before approving any STR activity, and many boards prohibit STRs outright. Landlords typically prohibit STR use in lease terms. NYC OSE registration requires disclosure of building type and may require owner consent. Consult a NY-licensed insurance broker.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
See how New York County's insurance requirements rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.