AirBnB in Denver

After staying in three different AirBnBs over the last 2 months, my husband and I were surprised to learn that Denver frowns upon their citizens using their furnished, spare bedrooms for overnight guests. On observation, our hosts, with the rising costs, simply wish to supplement their incomes by using property they already own. Our experiences with AirBnB have been nothing but positive.

All of our hosts are good neighbors, are respectful and considerate, and have no intention of causing problems in their neighborhoods. We also realized that AirBnB makes a significant contribution to the commerce of the city and is a much-needed option for people like ourselves, who are in the process of relocating, buying a home, and becoming Colorado residents.

I believe AirBnB should be embraced as a valid option for guests of the Mile High City and should be allowed with minimal regulation. After reading about this topic in The Denver Post, speaking candidly with our hosts and other locals, I strongly support the idea of Denver property owners having the right to use AirBnB as long as it does not conflict with any existing zoning laws or other restrictions. AirBnB sends their hosts a 1099-K at the end of the year so any income that is generated from the use of their home is included when filing their State Income Tax. I do believe the hosts should be exempt from additional taxation as they are already paying property taxes.

—Christina Heilmann

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