Airbnb & Short-Term Rental Rules in Buffalo, NY (2026)

Whether Buffalo, NY permits short-term rentals (Airbnb/VRBO) has not been confirmed from an official source. Contact the local planning department through their official website to verify current STR rules — including whether hosting is permitted at all, registration requirements, and any local restrictions — before listing your property on Airbnb, VRBO, or a similar platform.

Statewide Preemption

Registration Requirements

Whether short-term rental registration is required in Buffalo has not been confirmed from official sources. Contact the local planning department or local building department to verify current registration requirements before hosting on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms.

Operational Rules

No specific operational rules listed for short-term rentals in Buffalo beyond standard property codes.

• •Short-term rental registration required from City of Buffalo
• •Property inspection required before registration
• •Maximum occupancy limits per unit
• •Smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire extinguisher required
• •New York State sales tax and hotel unit fee apply
• •Platforms collect and remit applicable NY state taxes
• •STR operator must provide 24/7 contact information

Penalties for Violations

Specific penalty amounts for STR violations in Buffalo are not listed. Contact the local planning department for enforcement information.

• ⚠$500–$1,500 per day for operating without registration
• ⚠Registration revocation for repeat violations
• ⚠Code enforcement action for nuisance complaints

Frequently Asked Questions