Denver’s short-term rental licensing process is fully online and relatively straightforward for hosts who meet the city’s primary residence requirement. Before you can legally accept bookings on Airbnb, Vrbo, or any other short-term rental platform, you must obtain the required licenses, submit documentation proving residency, and comply with Denver’s ongoing operating requirements.
This guide walks through the complete application process, required documentation, licensing requirements, timelines, safety standards, and ongoing compliance obligations.
Important: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Regulations and fees may change. Always verify current requirements directly with the City and County of Denver before applying.
Before You Apply: Do You Qualify?
Denver only permits short-term rentals in a host’s primary residence.
According to the City and County of Denver, a primary residence is the place where a person’s habitation is fixed and where they regularly return throughout the year. The city may consider documentation such as driver’s licenses, voter registration, vehicle registration, utility bills, and other residency records when determining eligibility.
Before applying, confirm that:
The property is your primary residence
You maintain only one active Denver STR license
You can provide proof of residency
If you are a tenant, you have written landlord approval
If you are subject to HOA or condo rules, short-term rentals are permitted under governing documents
Denver does not permit:
Non-owner-occupied investment properties
Second homes
Vacation homes
Properties that do not meet the primary residence requirement
Source: City and County of Denver Short-Term Rental Program; Denver Excise & Licenses.
Licenses Required to Operate a Denver Short-Term Rental
Before accepting reservations, Denver requires hosts to obtain:
1. Short-Term Rental Business License
This license authorizes the operation of a short-term rental at your primary residence.
The license:
Is tied to a specific property address
Cannot be transferred
Must be renewed annually
Requires ongoing compliance with Denver regulations
2. Applicable Tax Registration
Short-term rental operators must comply with Denver’s lodging tax and business tax requirements.
Depending on your situation and booking platforms, additional tax registration and reporting obligations may apply.
Hosts should verify current requirements directly with Denver’s Department of Finance and Excise & Licenses.
Source: City and County of Denver Business Licensing Center and Denver Tax Guide for Short-Term Rentals.
Document Checklist
Gather all required documentation before starting your application.
All Applicants
Valid Colorado driver’s license or Colorado state ID
Proof of primary residence
Two supporting residency documents, such as:
Vehicle registration
Voter registration
Utility bill
Lease agreement
Other qualifying residency records
Proof of liability insurance
Confirmation that required safety equipment is installed
If You Rent the Property
You must provide:
Written landlord permission
Required affidavit documentation if requested by the city
If You Live in a Condo or HOA Community
You should verify:
HOA bylaws permit short-term rentals
No community restrictions prohibit STR activity
A city license does not override HOA restrictions.
Step-by-Step Denver STR Application Process
Step 1: Create an Account
Visit Denver’s Business Licensing Center and create an account.
All applications, document uploads, payments, and status updates occur through the online portal.
Step 2: Submit Your Short-Term Rental License Application
Select:
Short-Term Rental License
You will be asked to:
Enter property information
Confirm primary residence status
Upload residency documents
Certify compliance with safety requirements
Step 3: Complete Tax Registration Requirements
Denver requires STR operators to comply with local lodging tax requirements.
Review all current tax registration requirements during the application process and confirm which taxes are automatically collected and remitted by your booking platforms.
Step 4: Pay Applicable Fees
Denver licensing fees may change periodically.
Applicants should verify all current fee schedules directly through the Business Licensing Center before submitting an application.
Step 5: Wait for Review
According to Denver’s licensing guidance:
Standard Applications
Typically reviewed within approximately:
30 days
Applications Requiring Additional Review
Can take:
Up to 90 days
Factors that may increase review time include:
Missing documents
Residency verification issues
Additional compliance review
Do not begin hosting until your license has been approved and issued.
Step 6: Display Your License Number
Once approved, your license number must be displayed on:
Airbnb listings
Vrbo listings
Direct booking websites
Online advertisements
Marketing materials where required
Denver also requires hosts to maintain compliance records and provide information during audits or investigations when requested.
Safety Requirements
Denver requires hosts to maintain certain safety standards.
Before applying, confirm the property includes:
Requirement | Details |
Smoke Detectors | Installed and functioning |
Carbon Monoxide Detectors | Installed where required |
Fire Extinguisher | Accessible and maintained |
Liability Insurance | Appropriate STR coverage |
Guest Information Packet | Emergency and property information |
Emergency Access Information | Available to guests |
Safety requirements may be updated periodically, so verify current standards before applying.
Ongoing Compliance Requirements
Obtaining a license is only the first step.
Denver hosts must continue complying with local regulations throughout the life of the license.
Maintain Primary Residence Status
The property must continue serving as your primary residence.
Changes in residency may affect license eligibility.
Follow Occupancy Limits
Do not exceed the occupancy limits established by Denver or applicable building codes.
Maintain Safety Standards
Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguishers, and other safety requirements must remain operational.
Comply With Tax Requirements
Maintain all required registrations and comply with applicable tax obligations.
Hosts should regularly review platform tax collection practices and verify compliance with local requirements.
Renew Annually
Denver STR licenses require annual renewal.
Renewal generally requires:
Updated residency documentation
Confirmation of continued eligibility
Payment of renewal fees
Operating with an expired license may result in penalties and enforcement action.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Denver STR License?
Application Type | Estimated Timeline |
Standard Application | Approximately 30 Days |
Additional Review Required | Up to 90 Days |
Annual Renewal | Often Faster Than Initial Application |
If you plan to launch before a major event or busy season, apply well in advance.
Need Help Navigating Denver’s STR Requirements?
Licensing, compliance, tax requirements, and revenue optimization can quickly become overwhelming for property owners.
Effortless Rental Group helps Denver property owners navigate licensing requirements, optimize property performance, improve occupancy, and maximize revenue through full-service vacation rental and airbnb management in Denver. Learn more about our short-term vacation rental management services
Request Your Free Property Revenue Analysis
Sources
City and County of Denver – Short-Term Rentals
https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Business-Licensing/Short-Term-Rentals
City and County of Denver – Business Licensing Center
https://www.denvergov.org
City and County of Denver – Short-Term Rental Tax Information
https://www.denvergov.org
Denver Excise & Licenses
https://www.denvergov.org