Short Term Rentals

The City’s Short-Term Rental (STR) ordinance took effect May 1, 2021. In addition, as of August 1, 2021, STR owners were required to begin collecting a 10% City lodgers’ tax on all STR completed reservations. Lodgers’ tax returns and payments are due the 20th of each month. Please read below and visit our FAQs section to the right to learn more about operating a short term rental.Short Term Rentals

Maximum Number of Short-Term Rentals per City Council District

As of November 1, 2021, a limit on the total number of non-owner-occupied short-term rentals (whole home STR licenses) that are licensed in each City Council district was set. The limit, established on an annual basis, is calculated as 2% of the total number of units within single- and two-unit dwellings in each district. 

This restriction shall not apply to owner-occupied short-term rentals (partial home STR licenses) and shall not apply to short-term rentals in non-residential and non-agricultural zone districts, including Mixed Use districts and Commercial zone districts.

The maximum numbers for WHOLE HOME LICENSES each district as set in November 2023

City Council DistrictMaximum Allowed
Whole-home licenses 		Remaining 
Whole-home licenses *		Number of Waitlisted Properties**
District I49       0      56
District II52023
District III5414N/A
District IV37016

When the maximum number for any district is reached, any subsequent application shall be placed on a waiting list until such a time that the total number of short-term rentals in that district falls under the maximum number allowed. 

*This table is updated as needed or on a quarterly basis.  If the table shows remaining licenses, then licenses are available. If the number reads zero, the cap-limit has been reached. (Please scroll below to be added to a waitlist.) Ownership is required to apply for a short term rental license and for new purchase, a copy of the deed is required before one may apply. Both requests for an unique STR code and submitted applications are processed in the order they are received. Only accurate and completed applications are in queue to receive limited whole home licenses. Thank you for your patience.

** Please do not contact the city to ask your position on the waitlist. The city will reach out to you when a short-term rental license is available. Short-term rental licenses are not transferable. Beginning October 1st, a quarterly email will be sent to waitlist property owners on their waitlist position at the email address they provided.

WAITLIST FORMS

Please only submit one form for the district in which your property is located.  If you are unsure of your district Please view the District map here.  You will be contacted by the City when a whole home license becomes available. 

DISTRICT I "WHOLE HOME" SHORT TERM RENTAL LICENSE WAITLIST

District 1 "Whole Home" STR waitlist

DISTRICT II "WHOLE HOME" SHORT TERM RENTAL LICENSE WAITLIST

District 2 "Whole Home" STR waitlist

DISTRICT IV "WHOLE HOME" SHORT TERM RENTAL LICENSE WAITLIST

District 4 "Whole Home" waitlist


Short-Term Rental Registration

Step 1: Acquire a registration account number and code

Only the legal owner of the property may apply for a short-term rental license.  Contact license@ci.wheatridge.co.us to request the unique STR account number and code. Please provide the property address and the type of license (whole home or partial) upon request. If it is a new purchase a copy of the deed to prove ownership will be required.

Step 2: Visit the online registration site

Once the account number and code are received, complete STR registration online at the registration site. This is a third-party platform maintained by MUNIRevs. The unique account number and code required to register will be issued by the city (see Step 1).

Step 3: Notification of approval and issuance of license

STR business license applications and renewals are reviewed by the City’s Zoning Division and issued by the Finance Division of the City’s Administrative Services Department. City staff will reach out to if there are issues with the application, such as missing information or if the proposed STR is not compliant with the requirements in the ordinance. All complete STR applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. If the STR application 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 placed into any online advertisement or listings. The registration site is available online 24/7, and city support staff are available during regular business hours on weekdays.

Step 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 2023 lodgers’ tax return and payment are due by September 20, 2023. 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.  Please review our Frequently Asked Questions #15 on how to file your lodging tax if you use Airbnb, a third party facilitator. 

For questions