New Host in Denver Colorado needs advice or help with short term rental license

[Christopher1682]

I am a resident of Denver Colorado.  I am trying to set up my home for Airbnb.  This requires a short term rental license for the city of Denver.  I need a house inspection for this.  My last attempt with a home inspector went badly and I did not get an inspection in the end.  Can any city of Denver hosts give me either a reference to a home inspector who understands what must be done for the city or a resource to find a home inspector?

I have contacted the city already, they have not been much help.  The inspection seems vague and most inspectors don't seem to want to do it.

[Bhumika · Accepted solution]

Hi @Christopher1682 ,

Did you manage to grab any information about this? 

You can also ask other local Hosts by joining this group or searching for your preferred Local Host Club by viewing the Map. 

I hope this helps you get relevant recommendations and advice from Hosts in your area.

All the best!

[K202]

Hi - I am also trying to get a license/permit from the City and County of Denver and they sent me a notice that an inspection is required. I would appreciate any insights from Denver hosts who have had inspections. I asked to join the private Facebook local host club (referenced in above response) but didn't receive an approval to join. The Facebook group administrator asked for my Airbnb host account number - which I do not have as I am waiting for City approval. Thanks

[Joan2709]

@K202 

I did a quick internet search on STR requirements and found the City of Denver's official site for STRs. There is a page there on inspections, what is required to be inspected and a list of inspectors. I would imagine inspectors are very busy due to the regulations requiring inspections and you will probably have a tough time scheduling one. The City requires inspectors to have certain certifications by the City in order to accept inspection reports from them. The City also requires the property to be your "primary" residence to qualify as a STR:

City of Denver - STR Inspections

The above is for Hosts renting for less than 30days. If renting for more than 30days, the City requires a new residential rental permit:

Residential rental property license now the law for all units

Jan. 3, 2024
As of Jan. 1, it is the law in Denver for any residential rental property offered for rent for 30 days or more to have a residential rental license. The licensing program is part of Denver’s drive to achieve minimum housing standards.

[K202]

Thank you. I appreciate your response and time researching. In Denver, there are different procedures and requirements for ST rentals (which I applied for a permit/license) and rentals for more than 29 days. The web page you cited regarding inspections pertains to long-term rentals. Not all ST rentals require an inspection. Perhaps because I am not renting my entire house, my application was flagged for a required inspection by a City Business License inspector and I was provided access to a calendar to schedule an appointment. I was hoping to connect with a host in Denver who has experience with this. 

[Joan2709]

@K202 

Yes...I did mention in the previous post there are different  requirements for those who want to get a license for Short Term Rentals, but there are still requirements for those who want to rent for 30days or more. 

The City of Denver Short Term Rental page does say they may require an inspection for a short term rental license (which is true in your case). it could be because it is an older property and they want to ensure it is up to date with the current building codes.

Safety standards

Short-term rentals must meet several safety standards, including: 

• Working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors 
• Accessible fire extinguishers 
• Clear, unobstructed exits 
• Compliance with local building and fire codes

I would suggest using the link in the previous post to see those inspectors already listed by the City of Denver for long term rentals and try and get one of those inspectors to complete your home inspection. You can always email the City of Denver with questions regarding your short term rental license application at:

licenses@denvergov.org

Perhaps a Denver Host can chime in here and provide more information if they have been required to complete a home inspection as part of their license requirements.