San Francisco Admin Code Chapter 41A requires short-term rental hosts to carry at least $500,000 in liability insurance or to rent exclusively through a platform (Airbnb, VRBO) that provides equivalent host-protection coverage.
Insurance is a mandatory condition of Chapter 41A STR registration. Hosts must provide proof at registration of either: (a) a commercial general liability policy with minimum $500,000 per-occurrence coverage naming both host and guest activities, or (b) enrollment with a hosting platform that automatically provides a host-protection policy of at least $500,000 (Airbnb's Host Liability Insurance and VRBO's Liability Insurance both qualify). Homeowners standard HO-3 policies typically exclude business/commercial STR activity, so relying on a homeowners policy alone is insufficient and risks denial at claim time. Many SF hosts obtain an endorsement or a specialty STR policy from carriers like Proper Insurance or CBIZ. Condo associations and landlords commonly require the host to name the HOA and building owner as additional insureds. Failing to maintain insurance is grounds for OSTR to revoke the registration and impose fines. Claims involving guest injury without required coverage can expose the host to personal liability for the full damages.
Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact San Francisco code enforcement directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco regulates noise under Police Code Article 29 (Sections 2900-2920), administered by the Department of Public Health and enforced by SFPD. Quiet ...
San Francisco, CA
Fence height in San Francisco is regulated by Planning Code Section 136 (Permitted Obstructions in Required Setbacks, Yards, and Usable Open Space), administ...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's Planning Code permits residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and religious or political displays without permit so long as no structure exceed...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Police Code Article 29 noise rules apply to motor blower...
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. Standard rules from Police Code Article 29 (noise) and Plan...
San Francisco, CA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in San Francisco require building permits whenever the project includes new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a fixed structure ...
See how San Francisco'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.