Arapahoe County, CO Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- State Accommodations Tax
- 3.9%
- State Sales Tax
- 2.9%
- County Lodging Tax
- None currently
- Proposed License Fee
- $200 app + $350/year
Summary
Short-term rentals in unincorporated Arapahoe County are subject to the 3.9% Colorado state accommodations tax. There is no county-level lodging tax currently. Proposed STR licensing fees include $200 for application and $350 annual license fee.
Proposed fees are $200 for a new application and $350 for an annual license. A public hearing before the Planning Commission is set for 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 within the Arapahoe Board Room, 6954 S. Lima St., in Centennial. The Board of County Commissioners will hold a hearing in the coming weeks. If adopted the regulations will go into effect in spring 2026. Learn more at www.arapahoeco.gov/LDCamendments. Option A – Primary Residence Only an owner or lessee (tenant) may apply if the STR is their primary residence. Proof of primary residence required (e.g., CO driver's license or vehicle/voter registration, tax return, or utility bill). No annual day cap and no day-count reporting to the County. Option B – 180-Day Cap Only a property owner may apply (the STR does not have to be the owner's primary residence). Rentals are limited to 180 days per calendar year (each overnight stay = one day). Annual reporting is required to verify total rented days.
Full Breakdown
STR operators in unincorporated Arapahoe County must collect and remit the Colorado state sales tax of 2.9% plus the 3.9% state accommodations tax on short-term rental income. Arapahoe County does not currently impose a county-level lodging or tourism tax on STRs in unincorporated areas. The proposed STR licensing program would introduce a $200 new application fee and a $350 annual license fee, designed to make the program self-funding. STR income is also subject to federal and state income tax reporting. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO may collect some taxes automatically on behalf of hosts.
Violations & Fines
Failure to collect and remit state taxes may result in penalties from the Colorado Department of Revenue. Under proposed rules, operating without a license would be a code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Arapahoe County?
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Arapahoe County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Arapahoe County
How Arapahoe County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Compare Arapahoe County to another location·View the Colorado short-term rentals overview
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