Short-Term Rental Regulations in Colorado (CO)
Colorado has a moderate level of short-term rental regulation. Some restrictions. No statewide STR registration is required. No state-level license is needed. Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes. Colorado has no statewide STR law, but HB 22-1137 requires platforms to collect and remit state lodging taxes. Many mountain towns and Denver have their own STR regulations. Denver requires a primary-residence short-term rental license.
Full Requirements Summary
Colorado has 0 key regulatory requirements at the state level. The table below summarizes all state-level STR regulations. Note that individual cities may have additional requirements beyond what the state mandates.
| Requirement | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| STRs Allowed | Yes | Short-term rentals are legal |
| Statewide Law | No | No statewide STR law; local regulation |
| Registration Required | No | No state registration needed |
| License Required | No | No state-level license |
| Primary Residence Only | No | Investment properties allowed |
| Maximum Nights/Year | No limit | No annual night limit at state level |
| Minimum Stay | No minimum | No minimum stay requirement |
| Host Presence Required | No | Un-hosted stays allowed |
| Insurance Required | No | No state insurance mandate |
| Safety Inspection | No | No state-required inspection |
| Platform Tax Collection | Yes | Platforms collect and remit taxes |
City-Level STR Regulations in Colorado
STR regulations vary by city within Colorado. The table below shows restriction levels and local notes for 5 cities. City-level rules may be more or less restrictive than the state average.
| City | Restriction Level | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Denver | Heavy | STR license required. Must be primary residence. Annual renewal. Lodging tax of 10.75%. Platforms must display license number. |
| Boulder | Heavy | STR license required. Primary residence only. Max 120 days/year for unhosted rentals. Occupancy limits. |
| Colorado Springs | Moderate | STR license required in some zones. Lodging tax applies. Less restrictive than Denver. |
| Breckenridge | Moderate | STR license required. No primary residence requirement. Lodging tax ~11%. High concentration of vacation rentals. |
| Telluride | Moderate | STR permit required. Town has considered caps on STR licenses due to housing concerns. |
How Colorado Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Colorado with five states that have similar STR regulation levels. This helps illustrate where Colorado stands nationally in terms of short-term rental friendliness.
| State | Restriction Level | Registration | License | Night Cap | Platform Tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (CO) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Florida (FL) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Georgia (GA) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Illinois (IL) | Moderate | No | No | No limit | Yes |
| Louisiana (LA) | Moderate | Yes | Yes | No limit | Yes |
| Maine (ME) | Moderate | Yes | No | No limit | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado STR Regulations
Can I legally operate an Airbnb in Colorado?
Yes, short-term rentals are legal in Colorado. No state-level registration is required, though your city may have its own requirements. The state's overall restriction level is moderate. Always check your local city and county regulations before listing.
Do I need a permit or license for an Airbnb in Colorado?
Colorado does not require a state-level STR license. Individual cities in Colorado may have their own permit requirements even if the state does not mandate one. Check the city-level details above for specifics.
Does Airbnb collect taxes in Colorado?
Yes, Colorado has a platform accountability law. Airbnb and other platforms collect and remit applicable state and/or local taxes on behalf of hosts. Always verify your tax obligations with your local tax authority.
Which city in Colorado has the strictest Airbnb rules?
Among the cities we track, Denver has the most restrictive STR regulations in Colorado with a heavy restriction level. STR license required. Must be primary residence. Annual renewal. Lodging tax of 10.75%. Platforms must display license number.
Where can I find the most current STR rules for Colorado?
STR regulations change frequently. For the most current information, check your Colorado state legislature website, your city or county clerk's office, or your local planning/zoning department. Our data reflects regulations as of early 2026, but always verify before listing a property.
Check Another State or City
Use our STR regulation lookup tool to find the exact rules for your specific city in Colorado, or browse all 50 states to compare short-term rental friendliness across the country. Remember: city-level rules often differ significantly from the state-level picture.