Sandia Knolls Short-Term Rentals: Insurance Requirements Rules (2026)

The City of Albuquerque Integrated Development Ordinance (IDO) short-term rental provisions at §14-16-4-2(L) and companion administrative rules require hosts to carry at least $500,000 in general liability coverage (or $1,000,000 aggregate) naming the host and property. Proof of insurance must be uploaded with the initial STR permit application and at each annual renewal. Bernalillo County, under its Zoning Ordinance short-term rental registration process, similarly requires evidence of homeowner or commercial liability coverage adequate for paid lodging use. Standard NM homeowner policies typically exclude commercial rental activity, so a business endorsement or dwelling-fire rider is usually needed. Platform coverage such as Airbnb AirCover or Vrbo Liability Insurance is generally accepted as supplemental but does not by itself satisfy the permit requirement unless it names the host as the policyholder with the required minimum limits.