Denver vs Los Angeles

Colorado Legal with Permit | California Legal but Limited

Disclaimer: General information only — not legal advice. Verify with your local government.

Denver, Colorado
Status Legal with Permit
Permit Fee $100 license fee
Tax Rate 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state)
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $999/day for unlicensed operation
Los Angeles, California
Status Legal but Limited
Permit Fee $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee
Tax Rate 14% Transient Occupancy Tax
Day Limit 120 days/year
Renewal Annual
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses)

Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee. Denver renewal is every 2 years, and Los Angeles renewal is annual. Overall, Denver has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to Los Angeles (Legal but Limited).

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In Los Angeles, hosts pay 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Los Angeles imposes a 120-night annual limit, while Denver has no annual cap — a significant advantage for high-volume hosts.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Denver face penalties including $999/day for unlicensed operation. In Los Angeles, violations can result in $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Both cities actively enforce their STR regulations, so securing proper licensing before listing is essential in either market.

Denver Overview

Only primary residences may be used as STRs. Hosts must obtain a Short-Term Rental license. No cap on rental days. Accessory dwelling units on the same lot are also eligible.

Contact: Denver Excise & Licenses — (720) 913-1311

Full Denver guide →

Los Angeles Overview

Home-Sharing Ordinance limits STRs to primary residences with a 120-day annual cap (extendable with Enhanced Plan). Registration required. RSO (rent-stabilized) units generally prohibited.

Contact: LA City Planning — (213) 482-7077

Full Los Angeles guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or Los Angeles?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while Los Angeles is "Legal but Limited." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee in Los Angeles. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or Los Angeles?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while Los Angeles charges 14% Transient Occupancy Tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. Los Angeles: $2,000–$5,000/violation (up to triple for repeat offenses). Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and Los Angeles have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. Los Angeles limits STRs to 120 nights per year.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or Los Angeles?
For new hosts, consider the total cost of entry: Denver charges $100 license fee for permits with 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state) in taxes. Los Angeles charges $89 registration fee + $850 annual platform fee with 14% Transient Occupancy Tax. Automatic tax collection in Denver and Los Angeles makes compliance easier for beginners.