Denver STR Rules
CO · Short-Term Rental Permit, Taxes & Requirements
Denver requires a Short-Term Rental License and mandates that the property be the host's primary residence. Non-primary residence STRs in residential areas require additional approval and are rarely granted.
Permit Requirements
Key Rules for Denver STR Hosts
- ✓Must be host's primary residence (must reside there at least 9 months/year)
- ✓STR license required — $100/year after $25 application fee
- ✓Non-primary residence STRs are prohibited in most residential zones
- ✓Must carry $1,000,000 liability insurance
- ✓Listing must display valid license number
- ✓Occupancy limit: 2 guests per bedroom, max 8 guests
- ✓City, county, and state lodging taxes must be collected
How to Get Started in Denver
- 1Confirm property is your primary residence
- 2Apply online via Denver Business Licensing (denvergov.org/shorttermrentals)
- 3Pay $25 application fee, then $100 upon approval
- 4Provide proof of insurance ($1M liability)
- 5Submit to inspection if required
- 6Register with Denver Treasury for lodging tax collection
Tax Breakdown
Estimated effective rate: ~14.75%
- •CO State Sales Tax: 2.9%
- •Denver Sales Tax: 4.81%
- •Denver Lodgers Tax: 10.75%
- •CO State Lodging Tax: 2%
- •Total effective rate: ~14.75%
Note: Airbnb and VRBO typically collect and remit state and city taxes on behalf of hosts in these markets. Verify your platform's tax collection policy.
Enforcement Notes
Denver Excise and Licenses Department enforces. Complaints from neighbors trigger inspections. Platforms are required to verify license numbers. Non-primary residence STRs require a separate approval process and are generally not permitted in residential zones.
Also check the CO state guide for state-level tax registration, HOA rules, and preemption status.
Self-manage your Denver STR
The right tools make it easy to manage without a property manager.