Denver requires all rental properties to be licensed under the Denver Rental Licensing Ordinance (DRMC Chapter 27, Article XIII). All residential rental properties must obtain a rental license from Denver Community Planning and Development. The program was phased in starting in 2023 and applies to all rental dwelling units citywide.
Every residential rental unit in Denver must have an active rental license. Licenses are obtained through the Denver CPD online portal. The license fee is per unit. Properties must pass an inspection within the first licensing cycle — inspections may be conducted by the city or by a licensed third-party inspector. Inspections verify compliance with the Denver Housing Code including habitability standards. Licenses must be renewed periodically. Property owners must maintain current contact information and a local registered agent. Denver's program aims to ensure all rental properties meet minimum housing code standards.
Operating a rental unit without a valid license violates DRMC Chapter 27, Article XIII. Penalties include fines of up to $999 per unit per day. The city may issue cease-and-desist orders for unlicensed rental operations. Failed inspections require corrections within a specified timeframe. Properties that repeatedly fail inspections or operate without licenses face escalated enforcement including potential receivership.
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See how Denver's rental registration rules stack up against other locations.
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