Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Niagara Falls, NY

Airbnb listings are allowed in Niagara Falls, NY, but with restrictions. Short-term rentals are restricted to single-family and two-family dwellings within a specific mapped geographic boundary; multi-unit structures (3+ units) are prohibited. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, and owners must designate a local contact available 24/7 who can respond within 45 minutes. Hosts must also notify all property owners within 200 feet and maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance. A permit is required before you can host. These rules apply to all short-term rental platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo, Booking.com, etc.) — not just Airbnb specifically. See the official source linked on this page for full requirements. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rentals are restricted to single-family and two-family dwellings within a specific mapped geographic boundary; multi-unit structures (3+ units) are prohibited. Occupancy is limited to two persons per bedroom, and owners must designate a local contact available 24/7 who can respond within 45 minutes. Hosts must also notify all property owners within 200 feet and maintain $1,000,000 in liability insurance.

Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Niagara Falls. 1. Apply for a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals ($250-$400 fee) including a compliance letter from an architect/engineer and proof of neighbor notification. 2. Complete the 'EXP Program' certification and provide proof of $1M liability insurance. 3. Obtain a Short-Term Rental Operator License from the Department of Code Enforcement within one year of permit issuance; licenses must be renewed annually.

1. Apply for a Special Permit from the Zoning Board of Appeals ($250-$400 fee) including a compliance letter from an architect/engineer and proof of neighbor notification. 2. Complete the 'EXP Program' certification and provide proof of $1M liability insurance. 3. Obtain a Short-Term Rental Operator License from the Department of Code Enforcement within one year of permit issuance; licenses must be renewed annually.

Vrbo is permitted in Niagara Falls, NY under the same restrictions that apply to Airbnb — local rules govern the rental itself, not the specific platform. You must hold a valid permit before hosting on Vrbo. Last verified 2026-05-14.

Short-term rental hosts in Niagara Falls are typically responsible for lodging, occupancy, and applicable sales taxes — these usually apply even where hosting is allowed without a permit. Rates and remittance rules vary by jurisdiction (state, county, and city can each levy a share); confirm the current rates with the official source linked on this page. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo collect some taxes automatically, but the host remains liable for any not collected on their behalf.

We are not currently tracking any recent short-term rental ordinance changes for Niagara Falls. STR rules change frequently — verify the current requirements with the city or county before listing, using the official source linked on this page.