Denver Permit Requirements Rules (2026) — What You Need to Know
Heavy RestrictionsKey Facts
- License Required
- Yes — primary residence only
- Application Fee
- $25
- Lodger's Tax
- 10.75%
- Primary Residence Rule
- Must live there 51%+ of the year
- Unlicensed Fine
- Up to $999/day per violation
The Short Version
Denver requires a license for any short-term rental — no exceptions. The property must be your primary residence, meaning you actually live there at least 51% of the year. You need a business license plus a specific STR license from the Department of Excise and Licenses. The application runs $25, and you have to renew every year. Denver also requires you to collect and remit lodger's tax (10.75%). Running an unlicensed rental gets expensive fast — the city has been cracking down since 2024 and fines start at $999 per violation per day.
Full Breakdown
Denver was one of the first major cities to require primary-residence-only short-term rentals. Under DRMC Chapter 33, Article XVI, you can only list a property on Airbnb, VRBO, or similar platforms if it's where you actually live most of the year. Investment properties and second homes don't qualify.
The licensing process involves getting a Denver business license first, then applying specifically for the STR license. You'll need proof of primary residence — voter registration, driver's license, or utility bills all work. The city cross-references addresses and has caught hosts listing multiple properties under different names.
Denver's lodger's tax sits at 10.75%, and platforms like Airbnb collect it automatically for most bookings. But if you're listing on a platform that doesn't handle tax remittance, you're responsible for filing quarterly with the city. The city has dedicated enforcement staff who actively search platforms for unlicensed listings.
What Happens If You Violate This?
Operating without a license carries fines up to $999 per day per violation. The city can also revoke your license for substantiated complaints about noise, parking, or trash. Three verified complaints within a year triggers an automatic review and potential revocation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent out my Denver investment property on Airbnb?
Does Airbnb handle the lodger's tax for Denver hosts?
How long does the Denver STR license take to get?
Related Ordinances in Denver
How does Denver compare?
See how Denver's permit requirements rules stack up against other locations.