Lakewood, 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 Lakewood, 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 Lakewood.

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 Lakewood short-term rental FAQ page, email STR@lakewood.org, or consult a local lawyer or tax professional.

Airbnb doesn’t update this article in real time and isn’t responsible for the reliability or correctness of the information contained in any links to third party sites. Please check each source and make sure that the information provided hasn’t recently changed.

Registration

On March 13, 2023, Lakewood enacted an ordinance that requires potential Hosts to acquire a short-term rental (STR) license. To do so, you must:

1. Download the supporting documents or full application packet: This will include proof of primary residence for each owner, proof of ownership, proof of insurance, a floor plan, private rules or covenants as enforced by your HOA (if applicable), proof that you have an account on Airbnb and that we are collecting sales and lodging tax on your behalf. Proof can be as simple as a screenshot of a listing checkout that includes local taxes.
2. Submit all of your documents online, in person, or by mail: To submit online, you’ll need to create an eTRAKiT Account, click apply for new licenses, select “Public Login” and click “Register here.” When all of the paperwork is completed and ready, you can apply for your STR license
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 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 license will be attached for printing.

Additional questions:

• With questions about the application process or if you are having trouble with your eTRAKiT account, contact STR@lakewood.org
• Frequently Asked Questions

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

• The property is not your primary residence (excluding an ADU on the same lot as an individual’s primary residence)
• If your primary residence is within an HOA that does not allow STRs to operate
• You do not comply with the rules and regulations laid out in the Application for New License; Renewal License section of this ordinance (page 5)

Additional information

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.