Breckenridge Short-Term Rental Regulations

Last verified: 2026-04-06
TL;DR
Breckenridge requires Accommodation Unit License ($756/bedroom/year) with no primary-residence requirement. Combined tax rate is 12.275%. No annual day limit.
Disclaimer
This information is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Short-term rental regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local government before listing your property or making investment decisions.
Key Requirements at a Glance
Permit ✓ Required — Accommodation Unit License ($756/bedroom/year)
Primary Residence Not required
Annual Day Limit No limit
Tax Rate 12.275%
Max Penalty Not publicly specified
Insurance Not required

New to short-term rentals? Jump to the compliance checklist →

Permit & Licensing

Accommodation Unit License

FeeAmount
Initial cost$756/bedroom/year
Renewal$756 per studio/bedroom per year

This permit type does not require primary residence.

Application Process

License application required; town may conduct inspection to verify bedroom count per criteria in 4-6-4

Tax Obligations

TaxRateAuthority
Colorado State Sales Tax 2.9% State of Colorado
Summit County Sales Tax 2% Summit County
Summit County Mass Transit (MTS) Tax 0.75% Summit County
Summit Combined Housing Authority (MHA) Tax 0.725% Summit County
Town of Breckenridge Sales Tax 2.5% City of Breckenridge
Town of Breckenridge Public Accommodation Tax 3.4% City of Breckenridge

Combined rate: 12.275% of gross rental income.

Collection: Marketplace facilitators (Airbnb, Vrbo) collect and remit on behalf of licensees; other licensees must self-remit

Filing: County lodging taxes reported quarterly

Rental Limits

Breckenridge does not impose an annual cap on the number of nights you can rent. Individual-stay rule: Less than 30 consecutive days (definition of short-term rental).

Zoning & Restrictions

Short-term rental areas defined via searchable GIS map; individual HOAs may have additional requirements

Insurance & Safety

Insurance

Breckenridge does not require short-term rental operators to carry specific insurance. Standard homeowner policies often exclude short-term rental activity, so many hosts obtain dedicated short-term rental or landlord liability coverage.

Safety & Operating Requirements

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Not publicly specified

Platform Requirements

License number must be displayed in all advertising. Airbnb and Vrbo have special agreement to collect and remit taxes.

Compliance Checklist

Follow these steps to legally operate a short-term rental in Breckenridge:

  1. Meet safety requirements. Bedroom egress window required; operable smoke and CO detectors within 15 feet of any bedroom.
  2. Apply for Accommodation Unit License. Submit application + $756/bedroom/year fee.
  3. Register for tax accounts. Set up lodging tax accounts with Town of Breckenridge.
  4. Display your permit number. Include your permit/license number in all listings and advertisements.
  5. Collect and remit taxes. 12.275% on all bookings.
  6. Renew annually. $756 per studio/bedroom per year renewal fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you need a permit to run an Airbnb in Breckenridge?
Yes. Operating a short-term rental — including an Airbnb or Vrbo — in Breckenridge requires an Accommodation Unit License.
Does Breckenridge require a short-term rental to be your primary residence?
No. Breckenridge allows non-owner-occupied short-term rentals, so investment properties can qualify provided you hold the required permit.
How many days a year can you short-term rent in Breckenridge?
Breckenridge does not cap the number of nights per year you can short-term rent, though permitting, zoning, and occupancy rules still apply.
What taxes do you pay on a short-term rental in Breckenridge?
Short-term rental stays in Breckenridge are subject to a combined 12.275% in lodging taxes. This combines 2.9% Colorado State Sales Tax + 2% Summit County Sales Tax + 0.75% Summit County Mass Transit (MTS) Tax + 0.725% Summit Combined Housing Authority (MHA) Tax + 2.5% Town of Breckenridge Sales Tax + 3.4% Town of Breckenridge Public Accommodation Tax. The host is responsible for collecting and remitting them.
What happens if you run a short-term rental without a permit in Breckenridge?
Not publicly specified.

Official Sources

  1. Accommodation Unit (Short Term Rentals) Licenses | Breckenridge, CO
  2. 4-6-4 Criteria for a bedroom under the short-term rental regulations | Breckenridge Town Code
  3. Sales & Use Tax Topics: Rooms & Accommodations | Colorado Department of Revenue - Taxation