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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Denver, CO

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals for 1–29 days and are only permitted in the host's primary residence. Hosts may only have one primary residence, and all advertisements must display a valid business license number while complying with safety, tax, zoning, and insurance rules.

How to Obtain a Permit

1) Apply online through Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center (Accela) portal. 2) Submit required documentation proving primary residence and compliance with safety/zoning rules. 3) Wait for departmental review, which typically takes 30 to 90 days.

Regulatory Updates — Denver

Proposed and recent legislation

PassedJune 2022

Primary Residence Requirement — Enacted

Denver passed Ordinance 22-0284 requiring STR hosts to be primary residents of the property they rent. This effectively ended investor-owned STR operations in single-family and most multi-family zones. Hosts must provide proof of primary residency (driver's license, voter registration, or utility bills) at the time of licensing.

Official source
PassedMay 2024

Enhanced Complaint-Driven Enforcement

Denver Excise and Licenses launched an enhanced STR complaint system in 2024 allowing neighbors to submit complaints online. Properties with multiple verified complaints face expedited license revocation proceedings.

ProposedSeptember 2025

Proposed STR Tax Revenue Sharing with Affordable Housing Fund

Denver City Council is considering directing a portion of the city's lodger's tax collected from STRs toward the affordable housing fund. Operators oppose the measure, arguing that the existing STR tax burden is already substantial.

Official Resources

Official Denver STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Denver Short-Term Rental AllianceLocal

Local advocacy group representing Denver STR hosts and small property managers. Monitors Denver City Council activity and provides compliance guidance to members.

Colorado Association of Realtors — STR CommitteeStatewide

The Colorado Association of Realtors tracks STR legislation statewide and advocates for property owner rights in local regulatory proceedings.

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade group with Colorado members tracking Denver's regulatory evolution and broader state trends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Denver, CO?
Short-term rentals (STRs) are defined as rentals for 1–29 days and are only permitted in the host's primary residence. Hosts may only have one primary residence, and all advertisements must display a valid business license number while complying with safety, tax, zoning, and insurance rules.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Denver?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Denver. 1) Apply online through Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center (Accela) portal. 2) Submit required documentation proving primary residence and compliance with safety/zoning rules. 3) Wait for departmental review, which typically takes 30 to 90 days.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Denver?
1) Apply online through Denver's Permitting and Licensing Center (Accela) portal. 2) Submit required documentation proving primary residence and compliance with safety/zoning rules. 3) Wait for departmental review, which typically takes 30 to 90 days.
What does Denver's primary residence requirement mean in practice?
Denver requires that the person holding an STR license must use the licensed property as their primary home — meaning it's the address on their driver's license, voter registration, and tax filings. You cannot license and rent out a second home, investment condo, or property where you don't actually live. This rule effectively ended the investment-property STR model in Denver.
Can I rent a room in my Denver home on Airbnb?
Yes. If you live in the property as your primary residence, you can rent out one or more rooms (or the entire home while you're temporarily away) under Denver's STR license. You must obtain a Denver Business License for STR operations and collect and remit the city's lodger's tax. Licensing typically takes 4–12 weeks due to processing backlogs.
How long does Denver STR licensing take?
Denver's STR license processing has historically taken 60–120 days from submission of a complete application, due to the volume of applications and inspections required. Denver Excise and Licenses recommends applying well in advance of your intended start date. You cannot legally operate an STR until your license is issued.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction