Rochester, NY Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)

Proof of liability insurance is a mandatory submittal for the City of Rochester Short-Term Rental Permit application alongside proof of ownership, a floor plan, and the permit fee. The permit is issued by the Zoning Office and must be renewed annually with continued evidence of coverage. Most standard homeowner and landlord policies in New York exclude commercial transient rental activity, which means hosts typically need either a commercial STR endorsement, a dedicated short-term rental liability policy, or coverage through platform host-protection programs supplemented by personal liability insurance. Industry guidance and lender requirements commonly target $500,000 to $1,000,000 per-occurrence general liability for STRs, but operators should verify the exact minimum directly with the Rochester Zoning Office before submitting. Coverage should remain continuously in force for the life of the permit; lapses can render the permit invalid. Hosts are also subject to New York's Multiple Dwelling Law and the statewide STR Registry effective March 25, 2025, which may layer additional disclosure or coverage expectations. Monroe County's 5% hotel/motel occupancy tax applies independently of insurance coverage.