According to Airbnb data, the city of Boulder, Colorado currently has a population of approximately 107,125, a metro population of 313,000, and tourist visitors of about 3.3 million annually. The average housing price is $850,000 and average rentals rates for a 1 bedroom is $1,500. The number of Airbnb listings available is 1,258, average nightly rental of $210, average occupancy of 75% and an average monthly rental income of $4,725.

Boulder allows short-term Airbnb rentals of less than 30 days per stay for legal accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and primary residences. Primary residences are occupied for a minimum of 6 months and the ADUs are rented for a maximum of 120 days a year. Anyone considering to be an Airbnb host must acquire a short-term rental license for $130, renewed every four years. For housing eligibility, documentation such as driver’s license must be provided, including your short-term license on your listing,
meet the Boulder building, and housing standards and also abide by the contracts such as leases etc. To be able to operate your listings as a host, you should provide contact information for safety and have operable smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers in each listing. A 7.5% accommodation tax should also be paid.

Property owners can’t rent both ADUs and primary residences at the same time, only one short -term license can be obtained. Tenants can’t acquire a short-term rental license and aren’t allowed to sublease rooms. Tenants pay an occupancy tax of approximately 11 % during booking. The maximum number of guests allowed in primary residences and ADUs is two at once.