A Denver short-term rental must be your primary home

If you are thinking about buying a Denver home to rent by the night, check the city’s short-term rental rule before you count that income in your budget.

In Denver, a short-term rental, generally a stay shorter than 30 days, must be at your primary residence. You need a city license, and you have to show that the home is where you actually live, using records like a driver’s license, voter registration, or tax documents. The city limits an operator to one short-term rental tied to that primary home. That keeps the license tied to the host’s home rather than to a separate investment property.

If you will not live at the property as your primary residence, do not count on getting a Denver short-term-rental license for it. Operating without following the city’s rules can bring fines or the loss of a license.

Rules and license steps change, so confirm the current requirements directly with Denver’s Business Licensing office before you buy or list.