| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Status | Restricted — rules apply |
| Permit / License Required | Yes — requires both a general business license and a short-term rental license, plus a Lodger's Tax ID obtained before applying. Annual renewal requir |
| Tax Rate | Denver Lodger's Tax of 10.75% on taxable lodging (Airbnb/Vrbo typically collect and remit) |
| Night / Day Cap | None for a primary residence (no night cap, but must be the host's actual home) |
| Minimum Stay | STR defined as lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days (city language references fewer than 29 nights) |
| Permit Fee | Approximately $50 application fee and $100 annual STR license/renewal (one source cites ~$25/year for the STR license plus business license fees); con |
| Penalties | Fines up to $999 per violation; license revocation for misrepresenting primary residence; providing false primary-residence information can result in |
| Primary Residence Required | Yes — STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence; only one active STR license allowed per host. Host must live in the property (commonly cite |
| Occupancy Limit | Limited by zoning to maintain residential character; commonly cited as up to two people per bedroom plus two additional occupants |
Short-term rentals in Denver, Colorado are allowed but subject to significant restrictions under local regulations as of 2026. Hosts operating on Airbnb, VRBO, or other vacation rental platforms must obtain proper licensing: Yes — requires both a general business license and a short-term rental license, plus a Lodger's Tax ID obtained before applying. Annual renewal required (with a 90-day renewal grace period).. The associated permit fees are Approximately $50 application fee and $100 annual STR license/renewal (one source cites ~$25/year fo.
Short-term rental operators in Denver should be aware of these tax obligations: Denver Lodger's Tax of 10.75% on taxable lodging (Airbnb/Vrbo typically collect and remit). Yes — Lodger's Tax ID required; hosts responsible for city lodger's tax accounts and filings even if platforms collect..
Key operational rules for vacation rental hosts in Denver include: Primary residence requirement: Yes — STRs are restricted to the host's primary residence; only one active STR license allowed per host. Host must live . Rental day cap: None for a primary residence (no night cap, but must be the host's actual home). Occupancy limit: Limited by zoning to maintain residential character; commonly cited as up to two people per bedroom plus two additional . Minimum stay: STR defined as lodging for fewer than 30 consecutive days (city language references fewer than 29 nights).
Zoning considerations for short-term rentals in Denver: STRs allowed only in residential zones and only as a primary residence; non-primary units require a lodging facility license, available only in certain zone districts and possibly requiring an occupan. Density rules: No density/separation cap, but one-primary-residence rule effectively limits each host to a single STR; overlapping rentals not allowed. Insurance: Yes — proof of liability insurance (minimum $1,000,000 aggregate coverage) or evidence each booking .
Hosts who fail to comply with Denver's short-term rental regulations may face enforcement action. Fines up to $999 per violation; license revocation for misrepresenting primary residence; providing false primary-residence information can result in felony charges (cited as 2–6 years prison and fine.
Platform obligations for services like Airbnb, VRBO, and Booking.com operating in Denver: License number must be displayed on every advertisement (Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.); platforms typically collect/remit the 10.75% Lodger's Tax. City actively monitors platforms..
Apply for your STR permit or registration directly through the official government portal.
Official Source ↗Airbnb and short-term rentals are legal in Denver but subject to restrictions. Hosts must comply with local permit requirements and zoning rules. First enacted 2016, updated 2019. Initial applications generally reviewed within ~30 days (specialist reviews up to 90 days). Requires working smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguisher, emergency
Yes. Denver requires the following for short-term rental operation: Yes — requires both a general business license and a short-term rental license, plus a Lodger's Tax ID obtained before applying. Annual renewal required (with a 90-day renewal grace period)..
Short-term rental hosts in Denver are subject to the following tax obligations: Denver Lodger's Tax of 10.75% on taxable lodging (Airbnb/Vrbo typically collect and remit).
Hosts who operate without proper permits in Denver may face enforcement. Fines up to $999 per violation; license revocation for misrepresenting primary residence; providing false primary-residence information can result in felony charges (cited as 2–6 years prison and fines up to $500,000).
Considered one of the strictest STR markets in the U.S. due to the primary-residence rule, which disqualifies investment/second homes. Active enforcement via audits, complaints, and platform cooperation; hundreds of unlicensed STRs flagged/shut down recently.
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