houses

Short-term Rentals

Short-term rentals, or STRs, are a form of temporary lodging where all or a portion of a home is rented for less than 30 days at a time.  Many people are familiar with this concept under the marketing names of Airbnb and Vrbo, although there are dozens of other similar platforms.

In 2020, City Council approved an ordinance that allows STRs in Thornton with specific conditions and requirements. The ordinance was effective February 1, 2021. A copy of the ordinance can be found under the Featured Links section (right-hand side of this web page).

License Required

Any person operating a short-term rental in Thornton must have a valid short-term rental license as required in Thornton City Code Sections 18-54 and 18-174. A business license is also required, and operators must collect and remit lodging taxes to the city. The annual fee for a short-term rental license is currently $180.

The city uses an online system operated by MUNIRevs to process and issue short-term rental licenses. Licenses are available only to property owners for a home they inhabit at least 50 percent of each year. To begin the application process for the required license, please contact MUNIRevs at support@munirevs.com or call 888-751-1911.

Reporting Concerns

A telephone hotline is available 24 hours per day, seven days per week to accept complaints and concerns about short-term rentals. An online reporting option is also available.

Hotline:  303-538-7578

Online:  https://lodging.munirevs.com/complaint/  (choose "Thornton" from the city list)

Note: Reports of violence, incidents involving weapons, and other emergencies should be reported immediately to the Thornton Police Department by calling 9-1-1.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit https://thornton.munirevs.com/ and follow the FAQ link to view answers to frequently asked questions about Thornton's short-term rental licensing program.