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, CO Short-Term Rental Laws &...

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

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Summary

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

⛔

Strict

Score: 58 (moderate)

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

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

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$100

Processing Time

7-14 business days

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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

Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

•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.

Requirements(16)

•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 Process(9)

•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 & Costs(2)

•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).

Taxes(6)

•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 & Restrictions(6)

•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 Requirements(1)

•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.

Penalties(4)

•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.

Exemptions(2)

•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.

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Disclaimer

Regulatory information is AI-researched 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.

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Colorado

Moderate

Unincorporated Summit County has strictly regulated STRs via a two-tier overlay system: 'Resort' zones have unlimited permits, while 'Neighborhood' zones are subject to strict precinct caps and a 35-night annual rental limit. All hosts must obtain an annual permit and collect a 2% STR Excise Tax in addition to standard sales taxes.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.1% total tax

Eagle County

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated Eagle County require an annual license and are subject to a 2% County Lodging Tax. The regulations, established in 2022, focus on parking, life safety, and ensuring a local contact is available to respond to complaints within 60 minutes.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

La Plata County

Colorado

Moderate

Short-term rentals in unincorporated La Plata County require a Vacation Rental Permit and must comply with Chapter 90, Article IV of the Land Use Code. Permits are tied to specific occupancy limits based on septic capacity and require wildfire mitigation and bear-proof trash containment.

Permit required

0.0% total tax

Aspen

Colorado

Strict

The City of Aspen requires all short-term rentals to obtain an annual permit categorized into three types: Classic, Lodge, or Investment. Stricter regulations and a significant STR excise tax (5-10%) were implemented following Measure 2A in 2022.

Permit requiredNight limits

0.2% total tax

Denver

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Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(12)

Requirements(16)

Application Process(9)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(6)

Limits & Restrictions(6)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen

Denver

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

Step-by-Step Application Guide

Upgrade to Pro

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?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen