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

**Yes**, Vail requires a Short-Term Rental License for all rentals less than 30 consecutive days. You need to register annually for this license, which helps the town monitor and regulate short-term rental activity. Operating without a valid license can result in fines and penalties. The annual fee is $150.

What is the TOT tax rate in Vail, CO?

**8.4% TOT** is the combined sales and lodging tax rate for short-term rentals in Vail. You must collect this tax from your guests for stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days. This tax revenue supports various town services and infrastructure. Ensure compliance with local tax regulations to avoid penalties.

Are short-term rentals allowed in Vail?

**Yes**, short-term rentals are permitted in Vail, but they are subject to specific regulations. You must obtain a Short-Term Rental License and comply with all town requirements. Note that employee housing programs prohibit short-term rentals. Check your property's deed restrictions to ensure eligibility for short-term rentals.

How much does an STR permit cost in Vail?

**$150** is the annual fee for a Short-Term Rental License in Vail. This permit is required to legally operate a short-term rental within the town. The fee helps cover the administrative costs associated with regulating and monitoring short-term rental activity. Renew your license annually to remain compliant.

Can renters host on Airbnb in Vail?

**No**, generally tenants cannot host on Airbnb in Vail without the express permission of the property owner. You must also comply with all town regulations, including obtaining a Short-Term Rental License if permitted by the landlord. Check your lease agreement and local ordinances before listing a rental property.

Vail, CO Short-Term Rental Laws & Regulations

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Verified: Jan 30, 2026

4 Official Sources

Summary

Short-term rentals in the Town of Vail are permitted but require an annual license and a designated 24/7 local contact. The town imposes an 8.4% local tax (combined sales and lodging) on stays of fewer than 30 consecutive days.

Restriction Level

⚠️

Moderate

Score: 21 (restrictive)

Why this classification:

•Standard permit fee: $150
•Tenants cannot host
•Permit required
•Reporting required
•No night cap
•No primary residence requirement

In Plain English

To host an Airbnb in Vail, you must register for an annual Short-Term Rental License which costs $150. You don't have to live in the home, but you must designate a local contact person who can respond to complaints within 60 minutes at any time of day. You are required to include your license number in any online listing. Be aware that if your home is part of an employee housing program (deed-restricted), you cannot rent it out on a short-term basis.

At a Glance

Permit Required

Yes

Night Limit

None

Primary Residence

Not Required

Total Tax Rate

0.1%

Permit Fee

$150

Processing Time

1-2 weeks

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

1.Deed-restricted employee housing units are strictly prohibited from being used as STRs.
2.The 24/7 local contact must be able to respond to the property within 60 minutes of a call.
3.Your STR license number must be clearly displayed in the first line of your listing description.
4.Renewals must be completed by December 31st each year; late fees are significantly higher than the license itself.
5.Occupancy is limited to 2 people per bedroom plus 2 additional guests.
6.Taxes are high: You must collect a combined 10.3% tax (including state and local) from guests.
7.A self-inspection affidavit is required, meaning you are legally liable for fire safety compliance without a city official visiting.

Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

•Vail does NOT require the property to be a primary residence. Investment properties are allowed.
•Vail allows STRs in the following property types: Residential dwelling unit, Rooms within a dwelling unit.
•Vail: You can have a co-host or property manager help manage your listing.
•Vail: Your HOA can prohibit short-term rentals even if the city allows them. Check your CC&Rs before applying.

Requirements(17)

•Vail: The local representative MUST be able to respond within 30 minutes for calls made between 11 PM and 7 AM.
•Vail has different permit classes: Individual Property Owner; Professional Property Manager; 24/7 Front Desk Managed. Hosted vs. unhosted rentals have different requirements.
•Vail STR warning: Three formal complaints within a year will get your license revoked for at least 2 years.

Application Process(7)

•Vail STR permit - Step 3: Submit License Application. Apply online through the Vail Finance Department portal and upload all required affidavits and insurance proof. Required documents: Signed Authorization Form, Notarized Affidavit, Insurance Policy. Time: 1 week. Cost: 260.

Fees & Costs(2)

•Vail charges a registration fee of $260 (annual). Extended/additional fee: $50 (Discounted fee for 24/7 front desk managed properties).
•Vail: If your property is in a building with 24/7 front desk management, your license fee is only $50 instead of $260.

Taxes(3)

•Vail: A 6% excise tax increase (Measure 2A) was REJECTED by voters in Nov 2025; ignore old news claiming rates are 16.8%.
•Vail charges a Combined Sales and Lodging Tax of 10.8%. This applies to stays under 30 days. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit this tax. Note: Airbnb, VRBO, and Evolve collect and remit taxes automatically for Vail listings.

Limits & Restrictions(4)

•Vail limits stays to a maximum of 29 nights.
•Vail enforces quiet hours: 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM (Complaint response time reduced to 30 mins).
•Vail occupancy calculation: Determined by fire and building safety standards per bedroom. Count your bedrooms to determine your max guest limit.

Safety Requirements(1)

•Vail requires the following safety measures for STRs: smoke detectors, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, fire inspection, posted maximum occupancy, posted emergency contact, Passed Fire Inspection every 3 years, Trash and noise policy posting, Parking management plan.

Penalties(4)

•Vail enforces the following penalties for STR violations: Third offense: License revocation. Maximum fine: 2650. Permit may be revoked for violations. Criminal penalties may apply.
•Vail: Three formal complaints within a year will get your license revoked for at least 2 years.
•Vail: Repeated violations can result in permanent permit revocation. You would lose the ability to operate any STR.

Exemptions(2)

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

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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.

Vail

Gold Standard Verification

Summary

Restriction Level

Why this classification:

In Plain English

At a Glance

7 Things Hosts Often Miss

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Regulation Details

Eligibility(5)

Requirements(17)

Application Process(7)

Fees & Costs(2)

Taxes(3)

Limits & Restrictions(4)

Safety Requirements(1)

Penalties(4)

Exemptions(2)

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Step-by-Step Application Guide

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Frequently Asked Questions

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Vail

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 Vail?

2What is the TOT tax rate in Vail, CO?

3Are short-term rentals allowed in Vail?

4How much does an STR permit cost in Vail?

5Can renters host on Airbnb in Vail?

Related Content

Other Colorado Markets

Summit County

Eagle County

La Plata County

Aspen