Colorado Law on Airbnb and Short-Term Rental Sublets

Short-term rentals—like listing your apartment on Airbnb or subletting your home for a weekend—are popular, but Colorado law has clear rules. If you rent in Colorado and are considering hosting guests or subletting, it’s essential to know the requirements, permissions, and potential risks involved.

Understanding Short-Term Rental Rules for Colorado Renters

Short-term rentals are typically defined as renting a property for less than 30 consecutive days. While platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo make it easy, Colorado residents must meet legal and lease requirements first.

Check Your Lease Agreement First

• Most leases explicitly ban subletting or short-term rentals without written permission from your landlord.
• Even if your lease does not mention it, Colorado law does not guarantee your right to sublet. Always review your lease and talk to your landlord before listing your space for short-term rental.

If you sublet or host short-term guests against your lease terms, you could face eviction for violating your lease. Under the Colorado Revised Statutes – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, landlords can evict for unauthorized subletting.^[1]

City and County Rules Matter

Many Colorado cities—including Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs—have additional regulations for short-term rentals (like permits or primary residence requirements). Always check your local government or city housing department site for up-to-date rules before proceeding.

When Do You Need Your Landlord’s Permission?

• Any time you want to sublet or rent out all or part of your home to someone else—whether for a week, a month, or just for the night.
• If your lease is silent on subletting, get permission in writing to avoid disputes or possible eviction.

Official Forms: Sublease and Permission

Colorado does not supply a universal statewide subletting form. However, you’ll likely need:

• Written Landlord Permission: A simple letter or form where your landlord confirms consent for subletting, ideally signed by both parties. Example: You email your landlord explaining your travel, and they reply in writing agreeing to your week-long Airbnb rental.
• City-Specific Permit or Registration:
  For example, Denver requires hosts to obtain a Short-Term Rental License. Apply through your city government portal after gaining landlord permission.

For lease clarity, you may use the Colorado Department of Local Affairs rental forms as templates—though no form is officially state-mandated for subleasing as of this year.^[2]

Risks Renters Face When Subletting on Airbnb

• Eviction: Unauthorized sublets can result in eviction proceedings under your lease and Colorado law.
• Fines, Loss of Security Deposit, or Legal Action: Landlords may seek damages if a short-term guest causes problems or breaks rules.
• Local Penalties: Cities levy fines for unlicensed short-term rentals.
• Loss of Tenancy Protections: Subletting changes the nature of your lease and may affect your protections as a tenant.

Staying fully informed helps avoid difficult—and costly—mistakes.

Who Handles Disputes Over Subletting and Rentals?

In Colorado, residential tenancy disputes—including those over unauthorized sublets—are usually resolved in county or district courts. For guidance or formal legal process, connect with the Colorado Judicial Branch, which oversees housing evictions and rental matters.

Steps for Renters: If You Want to Sublet or Use Airbnb Legally

Follow these actions to stay within the law and your lease:

• Read your lease for any subletting or short-term rental rules
• Ask your landlord for written permission, outlining plans and dates
• Check local city or county regulations for permit requirements (e.g., Denver Short-Term Rental License)
• Register and get a license if your city requires it
• Never proceed until approvals are in place; otherwise, you risk eviction or penalties

Not sure where to start? Many renters consult the Colorado Department of Local Affairs for housing resources and guidance.

FAQs: Colorado Renters and Short-Term Subletting

1. Can I list my Colorado apartment on Airbnb if my lease doesn’t mention it?
   No. Unless your landlord provides written permission, you may still be in violation of your lease. Always obtain explicit consent before subletting or hosting any short-term guests.
2. What happens if I sublet or Airbnb without telling my landlord?
   You risk eviction, penalties, or loss of tenancy. Landlords can pursue removal through Colorado housing courts for violating your rental agreement.
3. Are there any statewide forms I must file to sublet?
   Colorado does not offer a standard statewide subletting form. Use your lease alongside written landlord permission, and see if your city requires registration or permits.
4. Where do I go if I have a dispute over eviction from subletting?
   Residential tenancy disputes are usually handled in your local county or district court, overseen by the Colorado Judicial Branch.
5. Do I have tenant protections if I want to host on Airbnb?
   Your basic tenant rights remain, but hosting without permission can void lease protections and lead to eviction. Seek written landlord approval first.

Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Always review your lease and get written landlord permission before subletting or using Airbnb.
• Check local city or county requirements for short-term rental licensing.
• Unauthorized subletting can result in eviction, fines, or a lost security deposit.

Staying informed and cautious helps Colorado renters avoid costly mistakes when considering sublets or short-term rentals.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Housing: Tenancy and rental forms, rights, and guidance.
• Colorado Judicial Branch: Information on eviction and rental court processes.
• Denver Excise and Licenses – Short-Term Rentals: For Denver residents, how to obtain a rental license.
• Boulder, Colorado Springs, and other cities: Check your city’s official website for local rules and contact info.

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Rental Forms and Resources

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