Colorado · Short-Term Rental Compliance
Denver Short-Term Rental Permit Guide
Denver permits short-term rentals ONLY in the operator's primary residence — non-owner-occupied STRs remain prohibited. Every operator must hold both a Short-Term Rental Business License (issued by the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection, formerly Excise & Licenses) and a separate Lodger's Tax License (Department of Finance). Initial licensing cost is $150 ($50 application + $100 license); renewal is $100 annually on an April 30 deadline standardized starting 2026. Denver collects a 10.75% Lodger's Tax on stays under 30 days and requires $1M liability coverage.
Informational only — not legal advice. Our information can be wrong or out of date. Always confirm with Denver directly before applying, paying, or accepting bookings. We do not file applications or returns on your behalf.
What the city requires
Requirements checklist
- 1STR Business License$150 initial ($50 non-refundable application + $100 license fee). $100 annual renewal. Renewal deadline is April 30 (standardized 2026); Jan–Mar 2026 renewals prorated $33.33–$100.
- 2Lodger's Tax LicenseSeparate registration with the Department of Finance, required by DMC §33-47. ~$25/yr per location (issued as a $50 two-year certificate). Hosts must file Lodger's Tax returns annually even when Airbnb/VRBO remit the 10.75% platform-side.
- 3Primary-residence rule (strictly enforced)Operator must reside on-site as their primary residence (>50% of the year). Application requires CO driver's license or state ID at the address PLUS two of: voter registration, vehicle registration, lease, utility bill, tax return, or bank statement. False claims are a felony — 2–6 years and up to $500k.
- 4Fire + life-safety inspectionMandatory pre-approval inspection. Smoke detectors in every bedroom/common area, CO detectors within 15 ft of sleeping areas on each level, accessible fire extinguisher, labeled egress routes, and a floor plan showing equipment locations.
- 5Insurance + platform display$1,000,000 minimum liability coverage (standard homeowners policies excluded — STR endorsement or CGL required). License number must appear in the title or description of every Airbnb/VRBO listing; platforms remove listings without a valid license number.
- 6Occupational Privilege Tax$48/year ($4/month) for self-employed single operators.
Verified April 2026 against denvergov.org (STR Business Licensing pages), Denver Tax Guide Topics 47/52/97, and Denver Municipal Code Ch. 33 Art. III §§ 33-46, 33-47, 33-49, 33-54. 2024 enforcement: 850+ citations, ~200 illegal STRs shut down. "Department of Excise and Licenses" was renamed "Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection" in 2026. Lodger's Tax License is issued as a $50 two-year certificate (~$25/yr amortized) per location.
Official filing portal: https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Business-Licensing/Business-licenses/Short-term-rentals/New
Other jurisdictions
Operating in more than one city?
- GAAtlantaShort-Term Rental License (STRL) — Type 1 (owner present) / Type 2 (whole-home with on-site owner)
- TXAustinShort-Term Rental Operating License (Type 1 / Type 2 / Type 3)
- NVLas VegasShort-Term Rental Business License + Conditional Use Verification
- FLMiamiCertificate of Use (Vacation Rental) + Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License
- FLMiami BeachBusiness Tax Receipt + Resort Tax Registration (STR-eligible zones only)
- TNNashvilleShort-Term Rental Property (STRP) Permit — Type 1 (owner-occupied) / Type 2 (non-owner-occupied)
- LANew OrleansShort-Term Rental Permit (Residential, Commercial, or Small Multi-Family)
- FLOrlandoHome Share Registration (city) + Florida DBPR Vacation Rental License
- AZScottsdaleVacation Rental / Short-Term Rental License