The Pros and Cons of Turning Your Crib into a Cash Cow
So, you’re sipping coffee on your sunny deck in Evergreen (or Boulder, or Conifer—whatever your flavor), and you start thinking: SHOULD I Airbnb My House? What if this place could pay for itself while I’m out climbing 14ers or taking a year sabbatical in Costa Rica?
Welcome to the Airbnb daydream, my friend. Turning your primary residence into a short-term rental is one of Colorado’s favorite side hustles. But before you throw your sheets in the wash and fire up a listing, let’s talk about what you’re really getting into—because it’s not all craft coffee money and passive income vibes.
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✅ The Pros of Airbnb-ing Your Home in Colorado
1. Extra Income = More Epic Weekends
Let’s be real: Colorado isn’t cheap. Mortgage, HOA, gear, gas to Moab—it adds up. Airbnb-ing even a couple weekends a month could cover your mortgage (or fund your next hut trip). High tourism demand—especially in ski towns or cute mountain spots—means nightly rates can be solid.
2. You’re in a Tourist Hotspot
If your home is near a ski resort, national park, Red Rocks, or really anywhere with pine trees and trailheads, people want to stay there. Bonus if your space has rustic-chic charm, hot tub, or elk sightings out the window.
3. Flexibility to Rent on Your Terms
You can block off dates when you’re home, open it when you’re away—whether that’s a weeklong trip to Mexico or just crashing at your partner’s place in Denver. You’re not locked into a long-term lease with a stranger.
4. Tax Deductions and Business Perks
You may be able to deduct things like cleaning fees, furnishings, insurance, and even part of your utilities—talk to a CPA who knows short-term rental rules in Colorado. It might make that $250 mountain-modern coffee table a justifiable expense. Maybe.
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🚫 The Cons of Airbnb-ing Your Primary Home
1. Regulations Are Very Real
Colorado towns are cracking down. Places like Denver, Breckenridge, and Boulder require a primary residence affidavit, permits, inspection, and sometimes even neighborhood caps on licenses. Not following the rules? That could mean fines—or getting your listing shut down.
2. It’s Not Passive (Unless You Hire Help)
Think Airbnb is hands-off income? Think again. You’re the housekeeper, handyman, concierge, and sometimes therapist (shoutout to guests who ask how to light a gas stove at midnight). Unless you hire a property manager, expect to hustle.
3. Your Home Stops Feeling Like Your Home
You may find yourself tiptoeing around throw pillows, buying “guest towels,” or worrying about wine spills on your favorite rug. It’s hard to feel settled when strangers are coming and going—no matter how respectful they are.
4. Neighbors Might Not Love It
Frequent guests = more foot traffic, parking issues, and sometimes…party energy. Even if you’re strict on rules, your neighbors might side-eye your revolving door of weekenders. This can cause friction, especially in small mountain communities.
🛠️ Key Requirements in Evergreen (Jefferson County)
1. Permitting & Zoning
Short-term rentals are legal, but only with proper permits .
• You must:
- Own a single-family home on at least 1 acre
- Live in it as your primary residence
- Get a Special Exception from the Board of Adjustment (~2 months process)
- Then obtain a Short-Term Rental Permit from Planning & Zoning .
2. Property & Safety Standards
Your home must meet:
- Adequate parking
- Water and sanitation compliance
- Defensible space (fire risk reduction)
- Legal access/driveway
- Wildfire Hazard Overlay requirements .
3. Insurance & Taxes
You must carry liability insurance that covers STR activity .
Collect and file:
- State and local sales tax
- County lodging tax
- Some platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) may auto‑collect, but you’re still responsible for proper registration and remittance .
4. Ongoing Compliance
Permit process:
- Special Exception application
- Initial permit (then renewal at 6 months after approval; annually thereafter) .
Jefferson County is considering stricter enforcement, including use of Host Compliance software, 24/7 complaint lines, and higher fines for unlicensed rentals (~$1,000/day) .
👋 Advice Before You List
1. Check zoning: Confirm your lot size, home type, and wildfire compliance.
2. Talk to Planning & Zoning: Start with Jefferson County Planning & Zoning (303‑271‑6511).
3. Consult insurance & CPA: Ensure coverage and understand all tax obligations.
4. Plan for enforcement: Be prepared for stricter inspections, monitoring, and possible fees.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Worth It?
Turning your primary home into an Airbnb in Colorado can be a game-changer—but it comes with strings. The freedom and income are legit, but so are the responsibilities and red tape.
If you’re down for some hustle, have a well-located and cozy space, and can stay on top of local rules, Airbnb could absolutely work for you. But if you’re privacy-prone, hate logistics, or don’t want to worry about someone breaking your vintage ski mug—maybe stick to the guest room for visiting friends.
Either way, welcome to the wild west of modern real estate.
Need some help? You know who to call.
📞(949) 923-0204
📍 Proudly managing properties in Evergreen, Conifer, Genesee, and beyond.