Is Airbnb legal in Buffalo, NY?

Restricted

These rules are changing or in active litigation. Verify the current status directly before you rely on it.

Airbnb is restricted in Buffalo, NY

Each short-term rental location needs a city license, renewed annually. Non-owner-occupied properties require a special use permit before the license can be processed, plus address-specific zoning approval. A new owner must start the application process again and receive a license before operating; no universal approval timeline is established here.

Buffalo City Code Ch. 380View the ordinance

Verified July 2026. Not legal advice. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Confirm with the city before you list.

Key rules at a glance

Permit or registration

Required

Primary residence only

No

Annual night cap

Not confirmed

Registration fee

See ordinance

How short-term rentals work in Buffalo

The first step in Buffalo is the city's permit or registration process; check the ordinance for the current fee. The status card above has the full detail on the current rules.

Non-owner investors can operate in Buffalo, but within the city's limits above. Read the ordinance closely before you buy, because permits, caps, or zoning can make a specific property ineligible.

At the state level, New York leaves short-term rental rules to cities and counties.

What it means for investors

An STR can still work in Buffalo, but the limits shrink the pool of eligible properties and add compliance cost. Underwrite conservatively and confirm the specific address qualifies before you commit.

Analyze a rental hereCheck long-term rent

Short-term rental rules elsewhere in New York

Last reviewed July 2026. Informational and educational only, not legal advice, and no attorney-client relationship is created. Rules change and may be enforced differently than written. Verify the current ordinance with your local jurisdiction or counsel before acting.

Frequently asked questions

Is Airbnb legal in Buffalo?

Each short-term rental location needs a city license, renewed annually. Non-owner-occupied properties require a special use permit before the license can be processed, plus address-specific zoning approval. A new owner must start the application process again and receive a license before operating; no universal approval timeline is established here. This reflects the rules as of July 2026; confirm the current ordinance with the city before you list.

Do I need a permit to run a short-term rental in Buffalo?

Yes. Buffalo requires a permit or registration to operate a short-term rental, and platforms increasingly require the permit number on the listing.

Can I run a non-owner-occupied Airbnb in Buffalo?

Yes, Buffalo does not require you to live in the property, though other limits such as caps, zoning, or licensing may still apply.

Is there a limit on how many nights I can rent in Buffalo?

No specific annual night cap was confirmed for Buffalo, though minimum-stay rules or license caps may effectively limit operations. Check the ordinance.

What taxes apply to a short-term rental in Buffalo?

Short-term rentals in Buffalo are generally subject to state and local lodging or occupancy taxes on top of income tax. Airbnb and VRBO collect some of these automatically, but not always all of them, so confirm the current rate and who remits it with New York and the city.