Saint Paul, MN Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum Coverage
- $300,000 aggregate liability
- Documentation
- ACORD Certificate required
- Platform Alternative
- Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway coverage accepted
- Workers Comp
- Certificate required with application
Summary
Saint Paul STR hosts need $300,000 aggregate liability insurance via ACORD certificate. Hosts using only Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway may rely on platform coverage instead.
Proof of Insurance: Either an ACORD Certificate of Insurance evidencing coverage of the short-term rental use in the aggregate of not less than $300,000 listing the licensing name and short-term rental address as the insured, and the "City of Saint Paul" as the certificate holder (Example of ACORD Certificate) OR indication on license application that you are only using Airbnb, VRBO and/or HomeAway. Airbnb, VRBO, and HomeAway are licensed short-term rental platforms in the City of Saint Paul. If using any other short-term rental platform, an ACORD certificate will need to be submitted to our office. [...] Short-Term Rental Platforms Apply online at PAULIE Short Term Rental Platform license is for a person or entity that provides a means through which an owner or tenant of a dwelling unit offers the dwelling unit for short-term rental use and from which the platform derives revenue. [...] Information needed for your online application: Proof of current Secretary of State registration and Assumed Name Filing Proof of Insurance: An ACORD Certificate of Insurance evidencing coverage for short-term rental uses in the aggregate of not less than $300,000 listing the licensing name as the insured, and the "City of Saint Paul" as the certificate holder.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.
Full Breakdown
Under Saint Paul Chapter 379 and the DSI licensing requirements, every Short-Term Rental Host License applicant must demonstrate proof of adequate insurance before a license is issued. The minimum requirement is an ACORD Certificate of Insurance evidencing liability coverage of the short-term rental use in the aggregate of not less than $300,000, with the City of Saint Paul listed as certificate holder. As an alternative, hosts who book exclusively through Airbnb, VRBO, or HomeAway may satisfy the insurance requirement by confirming their exclusive use of those platforms, which provide their own host protection programs.
Hosts who use multiple booking methods or direct bookings must obtain a separate insurance policy. Short-Term Rental Platform operators must also carry their own ACORD Certificate of Insurance with at least $300,000 aggregate coverage for short-term rental uses. A Workers Compensation certificate is also required as part of the license application. Insurance documentation must be submitted with the initial license application and is verified at each annual renewal. Operating without adequate insurance coverage may result in license revocation or non-renewal. Contact DSI Licensing at (651) 266-8989 for questions about acceptable coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own insurance if I only use Airbnb?
What type of insurance certificate does Saint Paul require?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Saint Paul
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