Denver vs New York City

Colorado Legal with Permit | New York Effectively Banned

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
New York City, New York
Status Effectively Banned
Permit Fee $145 registration fee (OSE)
Tax Rate 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax
Day Limit No limit
Renewal Every 2 years
Platform Tax Yes
Max Fine $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations

Denver has more favorable STR regulations overall.

Permits & Licensing

Denver charges $100 license fee for STR licensing, while New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE). Denver renewal is every 2 years, and New York City renewal is every 2 years. Overall, Denver has a more permissive regulatory environment (Legal with Permit) compared to New York City (Effectively Banned).

Tax Obligations

In Denver, hosts pay 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state). In New York City, hosts pay 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax. Both cities benefit from automatic platform tax collection through Airbnb and similar services, simplifying compliance for hosts.

Day Limits & Restrictions

Neither city imposes an annual day limit on short-term rentals, giving hosts year-round flexibility.

Fines & Enforcement

Hosts operating without a permit in Denver face penalties including $999/day for unlicensed operation. In New York City, violations can result in $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. 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 →

New York City Overview

Local Law 18 (2023) requires hosts to register with OSE, be present during stays, and limits guests to 2. Entire-apartment rentals under 30 days are effectively banned. Only hosted stays with the owner present are permitted.

Contact: NYC Mayor's Office of Special Enforcement — (212) 676-4101

Full New York City guide →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it easier to Airbnb in Denver or New York City?
Denver is classified as "Legal with Permit" while New York City is "Effectively Banned." Denver's permit fee is $100 license fee compared to $145 registration fee (OSE) in New York City. Overall, Denver has a more host-friendly regulatory environment.
Which city has higher STR taxes — Denver or New York City?
Denver charges 10.75% Lodger's Tax (combined city/county/state), while New York City charges 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax.
Which city has stricter fines for illegal short-term rentals?
Denver: $999/day for unlicensed operation. New York City: $5,000 first offense; up to $7,500 for subsequent violations. Both cities actively enforce STR regulations, so proper licensing is essential.
Do Denver and New York City have day limits for Airbnb?
Denver has no annual day limit. New York City has no annual day limit.
Which city is better for first-time Airbnb hosts — Denver or New York City?
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. New York City charges $145 registration fee (OSE) with 5.875% hotel room occupancy tax + state/city sales tax. Automatic tax collection in Denver and New York City makes compliance easier for beginners.