Understanding Basics

As a landlord it is important to understand what you can and can not do when renting your home in Fort Collins. There are bare minimums you need to meet to rent your home. Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination statues prohibit landlords from discriminated on basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or family status. Find more about the Colorado Civil Rights Division here. Fort Collins has a city ordinance which defines the City’s minimum habitability standards for rental housing. More in depth information can be found here.

U+2

U+2 is a City of Fort Collins Occupancy Ordinance that limits the number of people who can live in a rental property. The U+2 rule limits occupancy to either:

1. One family (any number of people all related by blood, marriage, adoption, guardianship, or other authorized custodial relationship) + one additional person; or

2. Two adults and their dependents (if any) + one additional person.

Some units are zoned to be eligible to be ‘over-occupied.’ You can check the rules for consideration to see if your property qualifies to be over occupied. The Fort Collins Zoning Department will answer any questions you may have. You can reach them at 970-416-2745 or email them at zoning@fcgov.com.

Short Term Rentals

If you choose the path of short-term rentals like AirBnB or VRBO, you first need to check the zoning laws. Within the City of Fort Collins not every home / neighborhood will qualify. There are two types of short-term rentals: primary and non-primary. Primary STRs are occupied by the owner for at least 9 months out of the year and have a portion of the unit rented for less than 30 days. Non-primary STRs are not occupied by the owner and the owner rents out the entire house for less than 30 days.

The short-term rental zoning map will help you determine what is available for your home. Then you will need to apply for a STR license with the City of Fort Collins. This Guide provides more in depth information on how to operate your short-term rental.

More information on renting your home in Fort Collins can be found at the City of Fort Collin’s website.