Niagara Falls, New York Short Term Rental Regulations
Navigate short-term rental regulations with ease! From coastal retreats to urban hubs, our in-depth guides break down the essentials for cities across the nation. Stay informed of changes to local Airbnb rules with our up-to-date insights and best practices.
Reviewed by Karolyn Hutson
Last updated August 23, 2023
Niagara Falls Short-Term Rental Regulations
Information is maintained by the community to provide helpful insights and links to local regulations, HostScouts does not provide legal or investment advice.
City Code of Ordinances
Short-Term Rental also referred to as Vacation Rental and or Transient Rental, is a nonowner occupied dwelling unit consisting of a detached single-family residential structure or a dwelling unit in a two-family residential structure (duplex) that is rented as a whole unit and under a single booking for a period of fewer than 30 days. Overnight occupancy of the Short-Term Rental unit shall not exceed two persons per room designated as bedrooms. Helpful Resources:Business License Requirements
The Short-Term Rental Unit's Owner must first apply for and obtain a Special Permit before operating and possess a current and valid Short-Term Rental License. Permit and License RequirementsBuilding and Housing Standards
Niagara Falls has rules and regulations that specify minimum building, design, maintenance standards, habitability, health, and safety requirements. Some rules and regulations that apply to residential and non-residential properties may apply to your listing. Consult the Department of Code Enforcement for more informationTourist and Local Taxes
Short-term rentals might also be subjected to the city, state, and county sales tax and are liable for payment as established by the city, state and county lawOther Rules
It is also essential to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo boards, co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable. Visit Niagara Falls for more informationIs something not quite right? Registered users can suggest changes to this guide.
-
Short Term City Rating5.3
-
Competition
3.6 -
Real Estate Cost
9.6 -
STR Regulations
4.0 -
Seasonality
5.3 -
Rental Rates
4.1
Niagara Falls, New York Quick Stats
Short-term rentals have gained a lot of traction in the last few years. The trends and statistics of this sector are constantly changing, and having access to accurate data is essential for making sound investment decisions.
- Population
- 48,671
- STR License Required
- Yes
- Tourist Season
- County
- Niagara
- Airports
- Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC)
- Buffalo Niagara International Airport (BUF)
Want to learn more about Niagara Falls?
Hostscouts has you covered. Our guides for this city cover topics that can help you research cities across the US quickly and easily.
Check out our Niagara Falls rental analytics guide if you're interested in data on the Niagara Falls rental market.
Review the popular activities that hosts include in their property positing in Niagara Falls.
The most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings.
Explore nightly rates that hosts list their properties and the average fees for pets and additional guests.
What are the most popular property sizes for rent? Research whether a 1, 2, or 3 bedroom best fits Niagara Falls guests.
Interested in other New York cities?
Check out the New York short term rental regulations directory
What makes Niagara Falls a great place to invest?
- Breathtaking Waterfalls: Niagara Falls, New York is home to one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. The breathtaking trio of waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls – create an unforgettable experience, with over 3,000 tons of water cascading over the edge every second. Get up close and personal with a thrilling Maid of the Mist boat tour or experience the powerful rush of the water from the Cave of the Winds.
- World-Class Parks: Explore the lush landscapes of Niagara Falls State Park, America's oldest state park, featuring over 400 acres of pristine wilderness, picturesque trails, and stunning viewpoints. Discover the tranquil beauty of Whirlpool State Park, or take a leisurely walk along the scenic Niagara River at Devil's Hole State Park.
- Adventure Galore: For adrenaline junkies, Niagara Falls offers exhilarating outdoor activities such as the thrilling Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, high-flying zipline adventures at Niagara Gorge, and helicopter tours for a bird's-eye view of the majestic falls. Whether you're a thrill-seeker or prefer a more leisurely pace, there's an adventure waiting for you.
- Rich History & Culture: Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of the Niagara region by visiting Old Fort Niagara, a 300-year-old historic site featuring military reenactments and interactive exhibits. Experience the region's vibrant art scene at the Castellani Art Museum or dive into the past at the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center.
- Spectacular Entertainment: Enjoy world-class entertainment at the Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, featuring top-notch shows, dining, and gaming experiences. Catch a Niagara Power baseball game at Sal Maglie Stadium, or attend the annual Niagara Falls Music & Art Festival for a celebration of local talent and creativity.
- Family-Friendly Attractions: Niagara Falls offers a plethora of family-friendly attractions, including the interactive and educational Aquarium of Niagara, the thrilling Niagara SkyWheel, and the enchanting Herschell Carrousel Factory Museum. With so many options, families of all ages will create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Niagara Falls Nearby Cities
-
-
16 miles away
- Rating: 6.6
-
-
-
27 miles away
- Rating: 6.9
-
Local Real Estate
How expensive is the real estate in Niagara Falls?
The cost of real estate can vary widely depending on the location, size, and features of the property, as well as market conditions. The median home value in Niagara Falls has increased 2% over the past year, and the average price per square foot is $75, which is lower than the national average.
-
Median Sale Price
-
$118,639
2% YoY
-
Median per Square Foot
-
$75
-2% YoY
-
Average Monthly Rent
-
$860
0% YoY
Local Short-Term Rental News for Niagara Falls
The most common terms hosts include in their listings for Niagara Falls, New York
Common terms for Niagara Falls short term rental listings.
When potential guests are scrolling through listings on Airbnb, they’re looking for certain essential information to help them decide if your property is the right fit for their needs. As a host, ensuring that your listing includes all the relevant information that guests will be looking for is vital.
Some of the must-have elements of a property description include:
- Location: Guests will want to know where your property is located in relation to popular attractions, public transportation, and other points of interest.
- Amenities: What amenities does your property offer? Be sure to list all features guests can access, such as a pool, hot tub, parking, etc.
- Informative: The average listing in Niagara Falls has a description approximately 1,232 words long. Make sure yours is long enough to describe your property but doesn't require your potential guest to read a novel.
After reviewing more than 2,251 listings in Niagara Falls, we've consolidated the most common terms on the word cloud. The larger text represents a term that is used more often. The top ten mentioned terms are Niagara Fall, Fall, Place, Family, Spacious, Walking, Clifton Hill, Attraction, Perfect, and Car.
What are the most popular tourist activities in Niagara Falls?
Whether renting a house, an apartment, or a room, you should include popular tourist activities in your posting. The most common choices mentioned on property listings in Niagara Falls involve Outlet Shopping, Casinos, the City Centre, Winery Tours, and Museums. When you write your listing, have a section with recommended activities near the property to give your guests an idea of what is available.
-
Outlet Shopping
-
Casinos
-
City Centre
-
Winery Tours
-
Museums
-
Health Spa
-
Hiking
-
Cycling
-
Adventure Activities
-
Snowmobiling
-
Rafting
-
Kayaking
Local Attractions
What attractions do hosts highlight to guests?
There are quite a few popular attractions in Niagara Falls, including Fallsview Casino, Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Rainbow Bridge, and Clifton Hill. Below we've included the most popular local and regional landmarks hosts usually include in their Airbnb or Vrbo property listings. Many hosts like to show off lesser-known regional landmarks visitors might not have heard of.
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Fallsview Casino
Included on nearly all listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Fallsview Indoor Waterpark
Included on nearly all listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino
Included on nearly all listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Rainbow Bridge
Included on nearly all listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Clifton Hill
Included on nearly all listings
-
Well Known Attraction
-
Horseshoe Falls
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
American Falls
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Niagara Falls State Park
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Casino Niagara
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Skylon Tower
Included on nearly all listings
-
Regional Landmark
-
Niagara SkyWheel
Included on nearly all listings
What’s the weather like in Niagara Falls, New York?
The weather is generally milder than the national average, with an average high temperature of around 56°, while the average low is about 42°. It has normal rainfall, averaging about 21 inches per year, compared to the national average of about 27 inches. Snowfall can be rather heavy, averaging less than 19 inches per year. The humidity levels in Niagara Falls are generally lower than the national average, and the city tends to be a bit cloudy for most of the year.
Winter
December through February
22° Low 34° High
Spring
March through May
38° Low 55° High
Summer
June through August
62° Low 78° High
Fall
September through November
45° Low 59° High
Cities Near Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, New York, is located in Niagara County. Some cities that are located nearby include:
