Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Denver?

Yes. Denver requires Short-Term Rental License (Denver Department of Excise and Licenses), and the fee is $150. Short-term rentals (stays of 1-29 nights) are legal in Denver only in the host's primary residence, and every host must hold a Short-Term Rental License from the Department of Excise and Licenses ($50 application fee plus $100 annual license fee, renewed each year). The primary-residence rule is the biggest restriction: a host can hold only one license, investor/second-home STRs are prohibited, and booking platforms are barred from processing reservations for unlicensed properties. Hosts must also carry a Lodger's Tax account (10.75% tax) and verify at least $1 million in liability coverage. Always confirm current requirements with the city before operating.

How much does a short-term rental permit cost in Denver?

The Short-Term Rental License (Denver Department of Excise and Licenses) fee in Denver is $150, renewed annual. Initial cost is $150 total: $50 application fee plus $100 license fee. Annual renewal is $100, with late penalties of 20% during the first 30 days after expiration and 50% for days 31-90. Hosts must also register a Lodger's Tax account with Denver's Treasury Division (eBiz Tax Center) and pay the city's business occupational privilege tax (about $48/year per the city FAQ).

How to get a short-term rental permit in Denver, CO (2026)

Denver requires Short-Term Rental License (Denver Department of Excise and Licenses) — the fee is $150, renewed annual. Here's how to get and keep it.

Permit at a glance

Permit required	Yes
Permit name	Short-Term Rental License (Denver Department of Excise and Licenses)
Permit fee	$150
Renewal	Annual

Step by step

1
Confirm your property is eligible
Denver restricts short-term rentals to your primary residence, so confirm the property qualifies before applying. Under the Denver Zoning Code, short-term rentals are allowed as an accessory use wherever residential uses are allowed, but only in the host's primary residence. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) may be short-term rented if the host lives on the property in the primary structure. Only one rental contract/party is allowed at a time, and the license covers stays of 1-29 nights (30+ night rentals fall under Denver's separate residential rental property license). Renters (non-owners) may host with a signed possession of property certificate from the owner.
2
Apply for the Short-Term Rental License (Denver Department of Excise and Licenses)
Submit the Short-Term Rental License (Denver Department of Excise and Licenses) application to Denver and pay the $150 fee. Initial cost is $150 total: $50 application fee plus $100 license fee. Annual renewal is $100, with late penalties of 20% during the first 30 days after expiration and 50% for days 31-90. Hosts must also register a Lodger's Tax account with Denver's Treasury Division (eBiz Tax Center) and pay the city's business occupational privilege tax (about $48/year per the city FAQ).
3
Register for occupancy taxes
Register to collect and remit the applicable lodging/occupancy taxes for Denver. Some are collected automatically by the booking platform and some you may need to remit yourself.
4
Renew on schedule
The permit renews annual — set a reminder so it never lapses, since operating on an expired permit typically triggers fines.

STR rules change without warning.

Get an email the moment Denver changes its short-term rental rules — plus renewal reminders before your permit expires.

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Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Permit requirements and fees change; confirm current requirements with Denver before applying.

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