Aspen, CO

When deciding whether to become an Airbnb host, it is important for you to understand the laws in your region or city. As a platform and online marketplace we do not provide legal advice, but we want to provide resources that may help you better understand applicable laws and regulations. This list is not exhaustive, but it may give you a good start in understanding your local laws. If you have questions, visit Aspen’s short-term rental homepage, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional. Contact Aspen’s STR Team or Finance Department for more information.

Short-Term Rental (STR) permit requirements

Aspen requires STR property owners to obtain a short-term rental (STR) permit prior to advertising or hosting short-term rentals (rentals of 29 days or less). Long-term rentals (30+ days) do not require an STR permit. STR permit applications are available through the software system Munirevs (operated under parent company GovOS).

Note that some properties may be subject to a permit waitlist. Permits must be renewed annually to stay in compliance. Visit Aspen’s STR website for more information about STR permit types, permit waitlists, required documents, FAQs, and more.

Deed-restricted housing in Aspen is NOT eligible for an STR permit.

Business license

In addition to an STR permit, owners are also required to have a business license. Business licenses are required for both short- and long-term rental hosts. The fee is $150. Business licenses must be renewed annually. Business license applications are available online through Munirevs (GovOS).

Qualified Owner’s Representative (QOR)

Owners who do not live locally must designate a Qualified Owner’s Representative (QOR) for their STR permit, if applicable. This agent must be available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week, to respond in-person to emergencies within 2 hours of being notified.

A QOR can be a management company, rental agent, or individual who is identified by a permittee as their acting agent. All QORs must have a valid City of Aspen business license. For more information, consult Aspen’s STR Program Guidelines.

Local taxes

Airbnb does not submit taxes to Aspen on a host’s behalf. Owners are responsible for submitting monthly taxes directly to Aspen through Munirevs. Tax rates vary according to STR permit type for short-term rentals. Long-term rentals are not subject to City tax.

The following taxes are levied for all short-term rentals in Aspen:

• Colorado State/Pitkin County sales tax (6.9%)
• City of Aspen sales tax (2.4%)
• City of Aspen Lodging tax (2%)
• City of Aspen STR excise tax (either 5% or 10%, depending on permit type)

Visit Aspen’s Lodging & STR Tax website for more information and details on STR tax.

Host responsibilities

In-unit messaging

Hosts are required to make the following readily available to renters:

• A copy of the City of Aspen STR permit (if applicable)
• A copy of the City of Aspen business license
• Aspen’s Good Neighbor Guide
• Up-to-date fire escape plan

Add your STR permit number to your listing

Once you have your STR and business licenses, make sure to add your STR permit number to your Airbnb listing.

Advertising requirements

Any advertisement that offers a short-term rental (STR) unit for rent in Aspen must prominently display the STR permit number and maximum occupancy (as stated in the STR permit application) in the advertisement. Failure to do so will result in penalties as detailed in Chapter 26.530.030 of Aspen’s Municipal Code.

Once you have your STR and business licenses, make sure to add your STR license number to your Airbnb listing to comply with local regulations.

STR permit application process

Aspen’s STR permit application process takes place entirely online through Munirevs. Please refer to Aspen’s STR Program Guidelines for detailed instructions on how to submit a new STR permit application.

Aspen offers three different types of STR permits:

• Lodging Exempt (STR-LE) Permit
  • Available to managers of lodging and condo-hotel properties which meet the definition of “lodge” or “condo-hotel” per Ordinance No. 9, Series 2022.
  • No annual limit on the number of nights per year the STR may operate.
  • Permit fee $148/unit per year
• Owner-Occupied (STR-OO) Permit
  • Available to title property owners who reside in their City of Aspen residential property as their primary residence.
  • Limited to 120 STR rental nights per year.
  • Not limited by number in any zone district where STRs are a permitted use.
  • Permit fee $394/year
• Classic (STR-C) Permit
  • Available to non-owner occupied OR owner-occupied residential properties.
  • No annual limit on the number of nights per year the STR may operate.
  • Limited by number in certain residential zone districts; new applicants will be subject to a waitlist in zones with capped numbers of available STR-C Permits.
  • Permit fee $394/year