Denver, CO Rental Property Rules: Rental Registration (2026)
Key Facts
- Multi-unit deadline
- License required by Jan. 1, 2023
- Single-family deadline
- License required by Jan. 1, 2024
- License term
- Expires after 4 years
- Inspection
- Required by certified home inspector
- Max penalty
- $5,000 per violation per day
Summary
Denver requires every residential rental property, from single-family homes to apartment complexes, to hold a license from the Department of Excise and Licenses before being rented, following a mandatory inspection.
After January 1, 2023, it shall be unlawful for any person to offer, provide, or operate a residential rental property consisting of two (2) or more dwelling units on a parcel under that person's ownership without first obtaining a license for that residential rental property as provided in this article VIII and in compliance with any and all applicable laws.
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
Denver Revised Municipal Code Article VIII (Chapter 27) requires a residential rental property license for any building, structure, or accessory dwelling unit rented out in the city. Multi-unit properties (two or more dwelling units on a parcel) needed a license by January 1, 2023; single-family homes, rowhouses, and condominiums followed by January 1, 2024. Licensing requires a passing inspection by a certified home inspector confirming compliance with the property maintenance code, and licenses expire after four years or when ownership changes. License numbers must appear on any rental advertisement.
Violations & Fines
Renting without a license is unlawful and draws a civil penalty of up to $5,000 per violation per day, which the city can assess as a lien against the property under D.R.M.C. § 27-203.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do single-family rentals need a license in Denver?
What happens if I rent without a Denver rental license?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
Compare Denver to another location·View the Colorado rental property rules overview
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