Short-Term Rental Laws in Denver, Colorado

Denver permits STRs only in the host's primary residence — verified by driver's license, voter registration, and at least two of: utility bill, vehicle registration, federal/state tax return. Non-owner-occupied investor STRs are not eligible for a license under any circumstances. Operators must reside in the unit during STR operation (host may be absent during individual stays but the home must remain the host's primary residence as a calendar/year-round matter).

STR licenses are tied to the operator's primary residence — any zoning district that allows residential occupancy can host an STR provided the primary-residence test is met. The binding gate is the primary-residence verification, not the zoning class. ADUs (accessory dwelling units) and second homes are not eligible. Multi-unit operators (e.g. holding multiple Denver properties) can only license the one that qualifies as primary residence.

Operators must hold a short-term rental permit before listing. See the official permit portal.

STRs are limited to the operator's primary residence.

Denver Excise & Licenses runs a robust enforcement program with platform-data cross-checks. Operating an unlicensed STR triggers fines starting at $150 escalating to $999 per violation. The primary-residence test is re-verified at every annual renewal. If you sell or move out of the licensed property, the license terminates immediately — it does not transfer with the property.

Combined short-term lodging tax in Denver is approximately 14.750% of gross nightly revenue (state sales + state TRT + local TRT + applicable resort/city options).

Colorado State sales 2.9% + Denver city sales 4.81% + Denver Lodgers Tax 10.75% combined — effective ~14.75% on STR receipts (Denver applies sales tax + lodgers tax)

Verify the current combined rate via the Utah State Tax Commission before remitting — rates drift quarterly.