Denver rental licensing: deadlines, requirements, and penalties

Who needs a license

Denver requires residential rental properties to hold a Residential Rental License. Under the 2021 ordinance, the requirement phased in: multi-unit properties first, and single-unit rentals starting January 1, 2024. Denver's short-term rental license is separate and covers stays under 30 days.

What the license requires

The core requirement is a passing inspection by a qualified third-party inspector, checked against the city's Residential Rental Property checklist. Inspections cover items such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and other basic habitability items. Applications must be made within 90 days of a complete inspection.

The renewal cycle

Published summaries describe the license as lasting four years, ending early if ownership changes. Confirm the term and renewal steps on the city's Residential Rental Property page before setting reminders.

What happens if you don't renew

Denver enforces the license with penalties. Denver7 reported that the city fined an unlicensed landlord the maximum $5,000 allowed under a penalty increase approved by the City Council. The report does not say whether that figure applies per violation, so check the city's Residential Rental Property page for current penalty rules.

Keep the inspection, license and application dates on the same compliance calendar so none of them slips past its window.