Littleton, CO Short-Term Rentals: Host Presence Rule (2026)
Key Facts
- Response window
- 2 hours, at all times rented
- Contact authority
- must access unit, make decisions
- Posted locally
- Good Neighbor Handout, § 3-23-10(a)(18)
- On-site host
- not required
Summary
Littleton does not require an on-site host, but every short-term rental license must name a person able to reach the property and respond to problems within two hours, any time the unit is rented, under City Code Section 3-23-5(a)(7).
7. The applicant must identify one or more persons who will be available to respond within two (2) hours at all times during which the dwelling unit is rented to any issues raised by the renter, neighbor, or the City. Any such person must have access to the dwelling unit and be authorized to make decisions regarding the dwelling unit.
Full Breakdown
Littleton's short-term rental chapter does not require the owner or a manager to physically stay on site during a stay. Instead, Section 3-23-5(a)(7) requires the license applicant to identify one or more persons who will be available to respond within two hours at all times the dwelling unit is rented, to issues raised by the renter, a neighbor, or the City, and that person must have access to the unit and authority to make decisions about it. Section 3-23-10(a)(16) carries the same duty forward into ongoing operation: the licensee must keep that contact reachable for the full two-hour response window throughout the rental period, respond in person if necessary, and give both renters and the City a current phone number for the contact.
The Good Neighbor Handout required by Section 3-23-10(a)(18) must also list a local responsible party, defined as someone located in the area for the entire rental period who can access the premises and make decisions about it, so a guest or neighbor with a complaint has a name and number posted at the property itself, not just on file with the City.
Violations & Fines
Failing to keep a reachable, decision-authorized contact on file, or missing the two-hour response window, breaches the standing license condition in Section 3-23-10(a)(16) and can be treated as good cause to deny a renewal under Section 3-23-7(b)(1). The Finance Director can suspend or revoke the license after a Notice to Show Cause hearing under Section 3-23-8(e).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Littleton short-term rental host have to stay on the property?
Who has to answer a Littleton short-term rental complaint?
Where can a guest find the emergency contact for a Littleton short-term rental?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Littleton
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