Buffalo, NY Short-Term Rentals: Short-Term Rental Permits (2026)
Short-term rental permit rules in Buffalo, NY, also called Airbnb permits, vacation rental licenses, or STR registration, list the application steps, fees, and operating requirements for hosting.
Key Facts
- Owner-occupied STR
- Allowed as-of-right in most zones
- Non-owner-occupied STR
- Requires special use permit + STR certificate
- Max STR units per building
- 2
- Certificate term
- 1 year; must renew within 60 days of expiration
- Fine for operating without license
- $500 per violation (Class J)
Summary
All short-term rentals in Buffalo require a City-issued certificate and license; owner-occupied STRs are generally allowed as-of-right in most zones, while non-owner-occupied STRs require a special use permit from the Planning Board plus Council approval.
Short-term rentals allowed within the City of Buffalo: (1) Owner-occupied short-term rentals allowed as of right throughout the City of Buffalo except in N-4-30, N-4-50, D-IL, D-IH, D-OS, D-OG, D-ON and C-R Zoning Districts. (2) Non-owner-occupied short-term rentals not allowed without a special use permit. (4) Non-owner-occupied short-term rentals must first obtain a special use permit coupled with a short-term rental certificate. (5) Short-term rental not allowed in multiple residential dwelling units such as apartment buildings, co-ops, condos, three-family units and other similar properties. (6) Properties may only be used for the purpose of short-term rentals if the City has issued a short-term rental certificate. Properties used for the purpose of short-term rentals shall be subject to an annual inspection to determine compliance with the housing code. (8) No more than two dwelling units per building may be used as short-term rentals.
Full Breakdown
STRs are prohibited in N-4-30, N-4-50, D-IL, D-IH, D-OS, D-OG, D-ON, and C-R zoning districts. STRs are also prohibited in apartment buildings, co-ops, condos, and three-family units. No more than two dwelling units per building may be used as STRs. The property must pass an annual inspection by the Department of Permit and Inspection Services. Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors, working fire extinguishers, exit diagrams posted on bedroom doors, and posted emergency contact numbers are all required conditions.
Violations & Fines
Operating without a license: Class J fine of $500 per violation (§ 380-19). Exceeding capacity: Class CC fine of $500 per violation. Three or more noise violations within a year trigger license revocation. License may also be revoked for fraud, material code violations, or unauthorized structural changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I list my whole condo or apartment on Airbnb?
What inspections are required to get a STR certificate?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buffalo
How Buffalo compares: Most Airbnb-Friendly Cities in America·New York rules heatmap·Compare Buffalo to another location·View the New York short-term rentals overview
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