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.
Buffalo requires all short-term rental operators to obtain a Short-Term Rental license from the City Clerk under Buffalo Code Chapter 242. Hosts must register, pass safety inspection, and operate only in approved zoning districts. Hosted and non-hosted rentals have different rules.
Buffalo adopted a comprehensive STR ordinance in 2021 (Chapter 242 of the City Code). All rentals under 30 consecutive days require a Short-Term Rental license issued by the Buffalo City Clerk. Applicants must submit proof of ownership or landlord authorization, Certificate of Occupancy or Rental Registry compliance, floor plans showing sleeping areas, proof of liability insurance, local contact person within 25 miles, and pass a Buffalo Department of Permit and Inspection Services safety inspection. Fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors are required in each sleeping area. Licenses are annual and tied to a specific property. Owner-occupied (hosted) rentals face fewer restrictions than non-owner-occupied (unhosted). Multiple Dwelling Law also applies to buildings with 3-plus units.
Operating an unlicensed STR: 500 dollars first violation, 1000 dollars per subsequent violation, and license revocation. Each day of operation counts as a separate violation.
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