Denver, CO Rental Inspections: Inspection Programs (2026)
Key Facts
- Random inspection rate
- 10% of units, multi-unit properties
- License required (2+ units)
- Since January 1, 2023
- License required (single unit)
- Since January 1, 2024
- Inspector
- Certified home inspector required
- License term
- 4 years, then renewal inspection
Summary
Denver requires every rental property to be licensed, and multi-unit rental properties must undergo random inspection of at least 10% of their units before a license issues: a proactive, systematic model rather than complaint-driven enforcement.
Residential rental properties with multiple dwelling units on a parcel shall cause a minimum of ten (10) percent of their units to be inspected at random, or at least one (1) unit at random if there are less than ten (10) dwelling units on the parcel.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Under the residential rental property licensing program (DRMC ch. 27, art. VIII), owners must hold a city license before renting: required since January 1, 2023 for properties with two or more dwelling units on a parcel, and since January 1, 2024 for single-unit rentals like houses, rowhouse units, and condos. Before a license issues, a certified home inspector must verify the premises comply with the property maintenance code. For properties with multiple units, at least 10 percent of dwelling units (or one unit if there are fewer than ten) are inspected at random rather than the owner choosing which unit to present. Licenses run four years, with re-inspection required within 90 days of renewal.
Violations & Fines
Operating a rental without the required license is unlawful under DRMC § 27-193. Failed inspections or premises that don't conform to code can result in license denial, suspension, or non-renewal under § 27-197.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Denver randomly inspect rental units?
Who performs the required Denver rental inspection?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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