For years, the short-term rental laws in Colorado Springs were favorable to investors. That has changed a bit.

 

A new law passed in December 2019 restricts Airbnb investments in Colorado Springs in a couple ways. (Now, if you already had a legally permitted STR prior to the December 2019 meeting, you are grandfathered in.) But if you're looking to buy a new place for a new short term rental, you've got to get creative.

 

Here's what is still allowed:

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• owner-occupied (primary residence) short-term rentals in any zoning district

• non-owner occupied (investment) short-term rentals in R2 zoning and higher IF it is at least 500 feet from the nearest non-owner occupied STR.

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What does this mean for you? It depends on if you want an investment property or want to live in the place but offset your mortgage with STR money.

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Primary residence

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If you want to house-hack with Airbnb in Colorado Springs, then you're still fine. We specialize in finding properties with full-on basement apartments or lock-off basements (or in the best case scenario, a carriage house) that you can rent short-term. (As an aside, we've also found that renting these spaces medium-term to traveling nurse types still brings in good money with less work.)

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Investment

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If you want to buy an investment, then you have to be patient and get creative. We've set up searches for homes zoned properly and then cross-check that agains a map of existing non-owner occupied Airbnb rentals to see if they will work.

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Understanding the short-term rental laws in Colorado Springs can be tough. Want more clarification or want to get started on a home search? Contact us today.

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