Rental Property Rules in Aurora, CO

If you live in Aurora or are thinking about moving there, rental property rules are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Aurora has 3 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of rental property rules, and some of them might surprise you.

Repairs & Habitability

Aurora's Health and Housing Code (City Code Article XV) lets code officials declare any residential structure 'unfit for human habitation' when it is unsafe, unsanitary, vermin-infested, or lacks heat, water, or ventilation, and can order it vacated within 15 days.

Key details: Governing law: City Code Art. XV, Health & Housing Code. Vacate deadline: 15 days after unsafe placard. Applies to: rental and owner-occupied dwellings alike. Enforcement: city manager/code official; abatement + lien. Current through: Ord. No. 2026-17 (5-18-2026).

Occupying or maintaining a substandard dwelling is unlawful under Sec. 22-570. Unresolved hazards trigger placarding, forced vacancy within 15 days, and abatement action that can place a lien on the property.

Rental Registration

Aurora requires a general business license and a lodger's license before anyone may advertise a short-term rental, plus the business license number in every listing.

Key details: License required: General business + lodger's license. Advertising rule: License number must appear in ad. Whole-home cap: 180 days per 365-day period. Booking platform penalty: $1,000 per violation per day. Governing code: Aurora City Code § 26-219.

Advertising or booking an unlicensed short-term rental, omitting the license number from a listing, exceeding 180 days/year for a whole-home rental, or a booking service accepting payment for an unlicensed listing.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Aurora actively enforces its rental registration requirements.

Just Cause Eviction

Colorado HB 24-1098 requires just cause for most residential evictions and lease non-renewals effective April 2024, limiting landlord terminations to enumerated reasons.

Key details: Effective: April 19, 2024. Statute: HB 24-1098. No-Fault Notice: 90 days. Exemption: Owner-occupied <=4 units.

Specific penalty amounts for this ordinance are not published in a publicly accessible fine schedule. Contact [Aurora code enforcement](https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb24-1098) directly for current fines, enforcement procedures, and hearing options.

Compared to other cities, Aurora takes a harder line on just cause eviction. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

The Bottom Line

Aurora is tougher than many cities when it comes to rental property rules. Out of the 3 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Aurora, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

These rules come from Aurora's publicly available municipal code. For complete penalty schedules, exemption details, and answers to common questions, see the individual ordinance pages throughout this guide.