Do you need a daycare license to have a daycare in your home?

I tried to have a daycare in a rented townhouse once, but once the owner found out he reminded me of the great liability I was putting myself in as well as him. If one of the children were to hurt themself on his property the parents could not only sue you but they could sue the owner. I guess you could look into some kind of liability insurance, but I'm sure that would be pricey. What I did, was became a nanny for a teacher with two children that were my two children's age. Because I was willing to come to her home which allowed her kids to sleep in and was very convenient for her so she paid me very well and my kids had fun playing all day long. I did this for two other mothers and it worked out great all three experiences.