The short answer: only if you live there, and only if your HOA allows it. There are two separate gates, and a Denver condo has to clear both.
Gate 1: Your HOA or Condo Association
Your association documents control what you can do with your unit, independent of the city. Look for:
- Minimum rental periods. Some buildings require 30-day or longer leases, which rules out short stays.
- Prohibition clauses. Words like transient occupancy, hotel-style use, or explicit Airbnb and VRBO language.
- Approval requirements. Some boards require notice or approval first.
- Insurance requirements. Some associations require specific liability coverage.
If your association prohibits short-term rentals and you list anyway, the exposure is fines and possible legal action from the association, not just from the city.
Gate 2: Denver's Primary-Residence Rule
Denver licenses short-term rentals (under 30 days) only at the host's primary residence. If the condo is your home, you can apply for a license. If it is an investment condo you do not live in, it is not eligible, no matter how permissive the building is.
If You Do Not Qualify
You still have options for an investment condo:
- A standard lease of 30 days or more.
- A furnished stay of 30 days or more, aimed at relocations, traveling professionals, and people between homes.
Both are residential rentals, so you need a Denver residential rental license, which includes a third-party inspection. Check your HOA for minimum lease terms either way.
What to Check Before Listing
- Pull your declaration, bylaws, and rules and regulations
- Call the management company or board to confirm current policy
- Confirm the condo is your primary residence
- Get the business tax license that covers lodger's tax
- Confirm insurance covers paid guest stays
- Apply for the city short-term rental license
The Bottom Line
Most Denver condo hosting questions come down to one of two answers: yes, because you live there and your HOA allows it, or no, because it is an investment unit. For an investment unit the right move is a compliant lease structure. Get a free property review and we will tell you which category yours is in.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Denver condo buildings allow Airbnb?
No. Associations set their own rules, and many restrict or prohibit short-term rentals.
Can I list an investment condo as a short-term rental in Denver?
No. Denver does not license short-term rentals at properties that are not the host's primary residence.
Can I rent a condo furnished for 30 days or more?
Yes, if your HOA allows it and you hold a Denver residential rental license.
This article summarizes publicly available City and County of Denver information and is not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm current requirements with the city before acting.