Douglas County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Onsite host required
- No; a responsible agent instead
- Availability
- 24 hours, 7 days a week
- Onsite response
- Within two hours if requested
- Agent can be
- The owner themselves
- Appointment notice
- Written, within five days
Summary
Douglas County does not require the host to sleep onsite, but every rental must name a Local Responsible Agent (which can be the owner). That agent or owner must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and able to be physically onsite within two hours if the
Either the Local Responsible Agent or the Owner shall be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week by a text-enabled telephone to respond to questions or concerns... either the Local Responsible Agent or the Owner shall be able to be physically onsite of the Short-Term Rental Property within two (2) hours at the request of the County.
Full Breakdown
As a condition of licensing, the owner must appoint a Local Responsible Agent and notify the Director in writing within five days, giving the agent's name, address, email and text-enabled phone. The owner may serve as their own agent. Either the agent or owner must be available 24/7 by text-enabled telephone to respond to questions or concerns, and during any rental lease must be able to reach the property within two hours at the county's request. Failure to be available is cause for suspension of the license. If no agent is reachable, the owner is automatically deemed the Local Responsible Agent. The agent's contact number must be posted inside the rental.
Violations & Fines
Failure of the Local Responsible Agent or owner to be available as the need arises is cause for suspension of the Short-Term Rental license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to stay in the rental while guests are there?
Can I be my own Local Responsible Agent?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Douglas County
Compare Douglas County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview
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