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Is Airbnb legal in Denver, Colorado?

Legal with a license — primary residence only. Denver licenses short-term rentals only in the host's primary residence, with no annual night cap. A separate investment property you do not live in cannot be licensed.

Showing the researched rules for Denver, CO below. Type your Denver address to jump to the verdict.

Legal with permit

Legal with a license — primary residence only

Denver licenses short-term rentals only in the host's primary residence, with no annual night cap. A separate investment property you do not live in cannot be licensed.

Permit and costs

Permit
Short-Term Rental License
Issued by
Denver Dept. of Licensing
Cost
$150 first year, then $100/yr
Renewal
Annual

Key limits

Primary residence
Required (city verifies)
Annual night cap
None
Liability insurance
$1M required
HOA notification
Required before applying

Taxes

Lodger's tax
10.75% (host files own return)
State sales tax
2.9% if platform does not collect

Registration checklist

  1. 1
    Confirm primary residence
    The city checks voter, vehicle, and tax records — plus notify your HOA first.
  2. 2
    Set up safety + insurance
    $1M liability coverage, smoke/CO detectors, fire extinguisher, local contact.
  3. 3
    Apply online
    Denver Permitting and Licensing Center; two proofs of primary residence required.
  4. 4
    Get your Lodger's Tax ID
    Display the license number in all ads; file lodger's tax returns.

What could change this verdict

An investment property
Non-primary residences cannot be licensed — this is the core check for buyers.
Just outside Denver
Jefferson and Arapahoe counties have their own, sometimes looser, rules.

Sources

Denver STR guide

Rules researched October 2026. They change, so verify with the city before you buy.

Want this verified for your exact address?

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  • Verdict for your parcel, not just the city
  • Permit name, fee, and renewal schedule
  • Night caps, occupancy rules, and key limits
  • Tax rates and a step-by-step checklist

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Verify before you buy. Rules change often and vary by zoning, HOA, and building type. This is a research starting point, not legal advice. Always confirm with the city's planning or business-license office before signing anything.