Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Denver?

**Yes**, Denver requires a Short-Term Rental Business License for all rentals. You need to apply for this annual license, which costs $100 for renewals and $150 for new licenses. This license ensures compliance with local regulations and tax requirements. Operating without a license can result in fines.

What is the TOT tax rate in Denver?

**10.75%** is the current Lodger's Tax rate for short-term rentals in Denver. Hosts are responsible for collecting this tax from guests and remitting it to the city. Major platforms like Airbnb typically handle the collection and remittance of this tax, simplifying the process for hosts. You still need to register.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Denver?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are allowed in Denver, but with restrictions. Denver strictly enforces a primary residence requirement, meaning you can only rent out your main home. Renting out second homes or investment properties for short stays is prohibited. Ensure you meet all licensing and tax requirements to operate legally.

Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Denver?

**Yes**, Denver requires that short-term rental properties be the host's primary residence. This means you must live in the home you are renting out for more than half of the year. This regulation aims to preserve housing availability for long-term residents and prevent the proliferation of vacation rentals.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Denver?

**Yes**, tenants can host on Airbnb in Denver, provided they meet all the city's requirements. This includes obtaining a Short-Term Rental Business License and adhering to the primary residence rule. Tenants should also ensure they have permission from their landlord to operate a short-term rental on the property.

Denver

Strict

ColoradoUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

Denver strictly enforces a primary residence requirement for all short-term rentals, meaning you can only rent out your main home. Hosts must obtain an annual business license and collect/remit a 10.75% Lodger's Tax, though major platforms typically handle tax collection.

Restriction level

Severity 58

Classification

Strict

Severity

Why this classification

Primary residence required
Limited to 1 property per owner
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

To host an Airbnb in Denver, you must live in the home you are renting for more than half the year. You cannot rent out second homes or investment properties for short stays. You need to apply for a $150 annual license ($100 renewal) and post your license number on your listing. Most taxes are collected automatically by Airbnb, but you still need to register with the city's tax office.

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$100

Processing time7-14 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You cannot rent out a secondary home or investment property; primary residence is mandatory.
2The city cross-references your license with voter registration and DMV records.
3The license number MUST be displayed on all online listings (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO).
4Basement apartments or ADUs can only be rented if the owner lives on the property.
5Renting for more than 30 days requires a different type of long-term lease, not an STR license.
6Denver is a consolidated city-county, so these rules apply throughout the entire city limits.
7Fines can reach up to $999 per day for operating without a license.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility12 rules

Denver requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Must be the host's main home where they live for the majority of the year (at least 183 days).
Denver prohibits STRs in the following property types: Commercial properties, Investment properties (non-primary), Recreational vehicles.

Requirements16 rules

Denver requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental License". Apply through City and County of Denver Business Licensing. Renewal is required.
Denver STR warning: Tenants can host but must have a signed 'Landlord Permission Affidavit' on the official city form.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Denver: To host an Airbnb in Denver, the home MUST be your primary residence where you live at least 183 days a year—investment properties are not allowed for short-term stays. You need to apply for a $100 annual license and get a tax account number before you start. You are also required to show your license number on your listing and keep a safety brochure inside the house for guests. Be aware that the city aggressively checks IDs and utility bills to ensure you actually live there.

Fees & costs2 rules

Denver charges a registration fee of $75 (annual).
Denver charges a registration fee of $100 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $50 (Initial application fee of $50 plus $100 annual license fee).

Taxes6 rules

Colorado has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
Denver charges a Lodger's Tax of 10.75%. This applies to stays under 30 days.
Denver: The 10.75% Lodger's Tax applies even if you only rent out a single room.
Denver: You must obtain a Lodger's Tax account number BEFORE applying for the business license.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Denver enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (50 dBA overnight limit).
Denver occupancy calculation: Standard limit is 8 guests per unit unless otherwise specified by safety codes.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Denver: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety requirements1 rule

Denver requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan indicating exits and safety equipment, Informational brochure for guests.

Penalties4 rules

Denver: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Denver: The city frequently revokes licenses if they find you are using a different address for voting or vehicle registration.
Denver: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions2 rules

Denver: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Denver exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Denver

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Primary Residence

Ensure the property is your legal primary residence where you spend the majority of the year.

1 dayFree

Documents needed

Driver's license
Voter registration

Step 2

Apply for Denver Business File Number

Obtain a tax identification number from the Treasury Division to pay Lodger's Tax.

1-3 daysFree

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STR License Application

Complete the online application through the Denver Business Licensing Center.

7-14 days$150

Documents needed

Affidavit of Primary Residence
Possession of Property doc

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched from public city/county codes for educational purposes. Details may be outdated or incomplete. Always verify requirements directly with your city/county planning department before operating a short-term rental.

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Denver

Strict

ColoradoUpdated Feb 10, 2026

Gold-standard verification1% sourced

Cross-referenced against 4 official sources — municipal codes, planning-department pages, and government registries.

Verified Jan 30, 2026Sources 4

Summary

Plain-english overview

Restriction level

Severity 58

Classification

Strict

Severity

Why this classification

Primary residence required
Limited to 1 property per owner
Permit required
Reporting required
No night cap
Tenants can host

In plain English

What this means for you

At a glance

Key numbers

Permit requiredYes

Night limitNone

Primary residenceRequired

Total tax rate0.1%

Permit fee$100

Processing time7-14 business days

7 things hosts often miss

Common compliance gaps

1You cannot rent out a secondary home or investment property; primary residence is mandatory.
2The city cross-references your license with voter registration and DMV records.
3The license number MUST be displayed on all online listings (e.g., Airbnb/VRBO).
4Basement apartments or ADUs can only be rented if the owner lives on the property.
5Renting for more than 30 days requires a different type of long-term lease, not an STR license.
6Denver is a consolidated city-county, so these rules apply throughout the entire city limits.
7Fines can reach up to $999 per day for operating without a license.

Regulation details

Sourced from official code

Eligibility12 rules

Denver requires that the property be the host's primary residence. Primary residence is defined as: Must be the host's main home where they live for the majority of the year (at least 183 days).
Denver prohibits STRs in the following property types: Commercial properties, Investment properties (non-primary), Recreational vehicles.

Requirements16 rules

Denver requires STR registration. The permit is called "Short-Term Rental License". Apply through City and County of Denver Business Licensing. Renewal is required.
Denver STR warning: Tenants can host but must have a signed 'Landlord Permission Affidavit' on the official city form.

Application process9 rules

How to set up an STR in Denver: To host an Airbnb in Denver, the home MUST be your primary residence where you live at least 183 days a year—investment properties are not allowed for short-term stays. You need to apply for a $100 annual license and get a tax account number before you start. You are also required to show your license number on your listing and keep a safety brochure inside the house for guests. Be aware that the city aggressively checks IDs and utility bills to ensure you actually live there.

Fees & costs2 rules

Denver charges a registration fee of $75 (annual).
Denver charges a registration fee of $100 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $50 (Initial application fee of $50 plus $100 annual license fee).

Taxes6 rules

Colorado has a state sales tax of 4% that applies to STR rentals.
Denver charges a Lodger's Tax of 10.75%. This applies to stays under 30 days.
Denver: The 10.75% Lodger's Tax applies even if you only rent out a single room.
Denver: You must obtain a Lodger's Tax account number BEFORE applying for the business license.

Limits & restrictions6 rules

Denver enforces quiet hours: 10:00 PM - 7:00 AM (50 dBA overnight limit).
Denver occupancy calculation: Standard limit is 8 guests per unit unless otherwise specified by safety codes.. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.
Denver: Each person can only register ONE property for short-term rental. You cannot legally operate multiple STRs.

Safety requirements1 rule

Denver requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Floor plan indicating exits and safety equipment, Informational brochure for guests.

Penalties4 rules

Denver: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.
Denver: The city frequently revokes licenses if they find you are using a different address for voting or vehicle registration.
Denver: Serious or repeated STR violations can result in criminal charges, not just fines.

Exemptions2 rules

Denver: Rentals of 30+ days are generally NOT considered short-term rentals and may be exempt from STR regulations (but may have other requirements).
Denver exempts the following from STR regulations: long-term rentals (30+ days), extended stays.

How to get permitted

Step-by-step guide for Denver

0/3

steps completed

Step 1

Verify Primary Residence

Ensure the property is your legal primary residence where you spend the majority of the year.

1 dayFree

Documents needed

Driver's license
Voter registration

Step 2

Apply for Denver Business File Number

Obtain a tax identification number from the Treasury Division to pay Lodger's Tax.

1-3 daysFree

Official resource

Step 3

Submit STR License Application

Complete the online application through the Denver Business Licensing Center.

7-14 days$150

Documents needed

Affidavit of Primary Residence
Possession of Property doc

Official resource

Frequently asked questions

5 answered

Disclaimer

Researched & verified by Learn STR at GoStudioM

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Primary Residence

Apply for Denver Business File Number

Submit STR License Application

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Denver?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Denver?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Denver?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Denver?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Denver?

Disclaimer

Summary

Restriction level

Why this classification

In plain English

At a glance

7 things hosts often miss

Regulation details

How to get permitted

Verify Primary Residence

Apply for Denver Business File Number

Submit STR License Application

Frequently asked questions

1Do I need a permit for short-term rentals in Denver?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Denver?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Denver?

4Do I need to live in my property to rent it on Airbnb in Denver?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Denver?

Disclaimer