MTR permit in Buffalo?

Question

Hey all. I'm working on turning a SFH into a MTR for travel nurses, etc. I've read everything I can find on the city of Buffalo website, scoured the internet, scoured their various portals. I've called all the phone numbers listed. I simply cannot figure out how to even apply and pay for a rental permit?

The website tells you what you need ($100 new rental permit application), but never actually points you to the place to apply. The phone numbers go to voicemail, with no calls back.

I also received conflicting info (in writing!) from someone stating that anything over 30 days counts as LTR in Buffalo and will only require a $50 annual permit renewal, whereas the Buffalo rental permit web page says anything less than 6 months is considered short term and requires a STR permit to operate.

Feels like a mess, hoping someone with experience in the area can help me understand and maybe point me to the right contact or process for actually registering.

Thanks!

Timothy Smith · Answer

You are correct --- it is a mess. I know exactly which page you are talking about that says anything less than 6 months is an STR, but it is not referenced in any legislation or any other source. I think it was a clerk or another assistant web builder who put that up there when they were scrambling to catch up with the burgeoning STR scene. The question those of us who have networked about all of this have asked is "Does this mean that MtM leases are now illegal???" I can't see that being the case.

You will need to register the rental through the Rental Registry system (also a racket) but you won't need a Short Term Rental license. If you do nothing, they will eventually send you a Rental Registration form. Might take years. Though, this newer administration seems to have stepped it up in terms of accounts payable, and technically, you can be fined for not registering.

Further advice is to use the website rather than the mail-in form. Why is that, Tim? Well, the paper form asks for your licensed property managers information (if you own 3 or more properties) but the web form does not. ;-)

Holly Ross · Answer

Thank you, this is exactly what I was hoping to find! 🙏

MTR permit in Buffalo?

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