How Englewood Handles Short-Term Rentals: A Practical Guide

Englewood maintains 39 local ordinances across all categories, and 6 of those deal specifically with short-term rentals. Here is a breakdown of what the city actually requires, what is prohibited, and where Englewood falls on the strict-to-permissive spectrum compared to other cities.

Insurance Requirements

Englewood Title 5, Chapter 31 requires every short-term rental applicant to provide a declarations page of insurance with a minimum of $1 million in personal liability coverage. The certificate of insurance is a mandatory part of the STR license application and must be maintained for the life of the license. Operating without compliant coverage triggers fines starting at $500.

Key details: Minimum Liability: $1,000,000. Document Required: Declarations page. When Required: Application + ongoing. First-Offense Fine: $500 minimum.

Failure to provide or maintain the required $1M liability declarations page: minimum fine of $500 for a first violation, $1,000 for a second, and $1,500 for third and subsequent violations under EMC Title 5, Chapter 31. License may be denied, suspended, or revoked for lapsed coverage.

Occupancy Limits

Englewood Title 5, Chapter 31 short-term rentals are capped at two persons per bedroom plus two additional persons, with an absolute maximum of eight persons regardless of bedroom count. The STR cannot be subject to more than two simultaneous rental contracts at any time. Operators must be the primary resident (185 days/year) in residential zones.

Key details: Per-Bedroom Limit: 2 adults per bedroom + 2. Absolute Cap: 8 persons maximum. Simultaneous Contracts: No more than 2 at a time. Primary Residence: 185 days/year required.

Exceeding occupancy or contract limits: minimum fine of $500 for the first violation, $1,000 for a second violation, and $1,500 for third and subsequent violations. Repeated violations may also support STR license non-renewal or revocation by Community Development.

Parking Rules

Englewood requires STR operators to provide a parking plan showing a minimum of 1 permanent parking space per bedroom for rent. No more than 2 of the required spaces may be on-street public parking. This is among the more detailed STR parking requirements in the Denver metro.

Key details: Minimum: 1 space per bedroom. On-Street Max: 2 spaces. Plan Required: Part of license application. Enforcement: Code Compliance.

Non-compliance with parking plan: potential license enforcement. Blocking driveways or hydrants: immediate tow risk.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Englewood actively enforces its parking rules requirements.

Permit Requirements

Englewood requires both a city Sales and Use Tax License ($25 biennial) and a STR License for all short-term rentals. Primary residence required (185 days/year) in residential zones. Max occupancy: 2 per bedroom + 2, capped at 8. $1M liability insurance required. Minimum fine $500 for operating without a license.

Key details: Licenses Needed: Sales Tax + STR License. Residency: 185 days/year primary residence. Max Occupancy: 2/bedroom + 2, max 8. Insurance: $1M liability required.

Operating without license: $500 first offense, $1,000 second, $1,500 third and subsequent. RV or corporate-owned STR: prohibited.

This is one of the stricter rules in Englewood's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Taxes & Fees

Englewood imposes a 3.8% city sales tax and 2% lodger's tax on STR transactions. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit these automatically. A $25 biennial Sales and Use Tax License plus STR License fee are required.

Key details: City Sales Tax: 3.8%. Lodger's Tax: 2%. State Tax: 3.9% accommodations. Auto-Collect: Airbnb/VRBO do it for you.

Failure to collect/remit taxes: tax code violation. Late payment incurs interest and penalties.

This is not one of those rules that cities tend to ignore. Englewood actively enforces its taxes & fees requirements.

Noise Rules

Englewood STR hosts are responsible for guest behavior including noise compliance. The city's 50 dB nighttime / 55 dB daytime residential limits apply. Repeated noise complaints may result in STR license enforcement action.

Key details: Host Liability: Responsible for guest noise. Night Limit: 50 dB (10 PM–7 AM). Day Limit: 55 dB residential. License Risk: Complaints may affect license.

Guest noise violations: host responsibility. Repeated complaints: potential STR license review.

The Bottom Line

Englewood is tougher than many cities when it comes to short-term rentals. Out of the 6 rules covered here, 3 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Englewood, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

This guide is based on Englewood's current municipal code. Local rules can and do change, so check the individual ordinance pages for the latest details, penalties, and FAQs.