Wheat Ridge, CO

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb Host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your city. We know that our Hosts contribute both economically and culturally to Wheat Ridge, but to keep our community relationships strong, your work cannot end there. 

We recommend that you do your own research as this article isn’t fully comprehensive and, as a platform and online marketplace, we do not provide legal or tax advice. Nonetheless, we want to provide resources that may help you better understand the laws and regulations in Wheat Ridge.

This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, you can visit the Wheat Ridge short-term rental page, email [email protected], or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Registration

On May 1st, 2021, Wheat Ridge enacted an ordinance that requires potential Hosts to acquire a short-term rental business license. To do so, you must:

1. Acquire a registration account number and code: Only the legal owner of the property may apply for a short-term rental license. Contact [email protected] to request the unique STR account number and code. Please provide the property address upon request.
2. Visit the online registration site: Once the account number and code are received, complete STR registration online at the registration site.
3. Notification of approval and issuance of license: City staff will reach out if there are issues with the application, such as missing information or if the proposed STR is not compliant with the requirements in the most recent ordinance. All complete STR applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. If STR registration is approved, Hosts will be notified via email and the STR business license will be attached for printing. The license must be posted within the STR, and the license number must be used in any online advertisement. The registration site is available online 24/7, and staff support is available during regular business hours on weekdays.
4. Collect 10% lodgers’ tax beginning August 1, 2021: Beginning August 1, 2021, STR Hosts are required to collect a 10% City lodgers’ tax on all STR completed reservations. Lodgers’ tax returns and payments are due the 20th of each month. For example, the August 2021 lodgers’ tax return and payment are due by September 20, 2021. Lodgers’ tax returns and payments can be filed and remitted electronically using the online MUNIRevs account. Payments can be made using Visa, Mastercard, or e-Check.

Additional questions:

• With questions about the application process, contact [email protected].
• For assistance with step 2 and troubleshooting on the MUNIRevs registration website, contact [email protected].
• Frequently Asked Questions

You may not operate a short-term rental in Wheat Ridge if:

• You are a renter - proof of ownership is required to apply for the short-term rental business license.
• The address you seek to register is deed-restricted affordable housing, income-restricted housing, age-restricted housing, and/or rent stabilized or rent-controlled housing.

You do not comply with the rules and regulations laid out in Section 1 of this ordinance.

Additional information

Payment

The total cost for a short-term rental business license is $200 annually. Renting or advertising your home for rent on a short-term basis without a license is in violation of the City of Wheat Ridge’s ordinances and subject to enforcement.

Other Contracts and rules

It's also important to understand and abide by other contracts or rules that bind you, such as leases, condo board or co-op rules, HOA rules, or rules established by tenant organizations. Please read your lease agreement and check with your landlord if applicable.

Our commitment to your community

We are committed to working with local officials to clarify how local rules impact the community. We will continue to advocate for changes that will enable people to rent out their homes.