Norfolk, VA Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum coverage
- $1,000,000
- Type
- Premises liability, guest injury
- When
- Before and during operation
- Homeowner policy
- Often excludes rentals
- Governing law
- Zoning Ord. § 4.2.3.F(10)
Summary
Unlike many Virginia localities, Norfolk mandates insurance: vacation-rental operators must show premises liability coverage for guest injury of at least $1,000,000 before operating.
The operator shall provide proof of premises liability insurance covering accidental injury to a guest on the property up to a maximum cost of not less than $1,000,000.
Full Breakdown
Norfolk requires insurance as a vacation-rental zoning performance standard. The operator must provide proof of premises liability insurance covering accidental injury to a guest on the property of not less than $1,000,000 before commencing operation and throughout the rental period. Standard homeowner policies often exclude commercial rental activity, so hosts typically add a short-term-rental endorsement or a separate commercial policy. Platform-provided host protection, such as Airbnb's, may not satisfy the city's proof requirement, so verify coverage with the Department of City Planning before listing.
Violations & Fines
Without the required proof of insurance, the city can withhold or revoke the zoning certificate or Conditional Use Permit. Operating uninsured also leaves the host personally exposed to guest-injury claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Norfolk require STR insurance?
Is Airbnb's host protection enough?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Norfolk
Compare Norfolk to another location·View the Virginia short-term rentals overview
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