How to Get a Vail Short-Term Rental License
If you own a home in Vail and want to rent it out on Airbnb, VRBO, or another platform for fewer than 30 days at a time, you’ll need to secure a Vail Short-Term Rental (STR) License before listing your property. The Town of Vail has specific regulations designed to ensure guest safety and protect the integrity of residential neighborhoods.
Below is a step-by-step guide on how to get your Vail short-term rental license — and how our team at Woodland Property Management can take care of the entire process for you.
Step 1: Apply for Your License Online
The Town of Vail requires every short-term rental to be registered through its online portal. You’ll submit your property information, contact details, and agree to comply with local STR regulations.
You can begin your application directly through the Town of Vail’s Short-Term Rentals page.
Step 2: Pay the $260 Annual License Fee
Each property must pay a $260 yearly fee to maintain an active short-term rental license. This fee must be renewed annually before your license expires. Failing to renew can result in fines or suspension of your rental activity.
Step 3: Prepare for the Fire Inspection
Before your license is approved, your property must pass a fire and life safety inspection conducted by the Vail Fire Department.
To prepare, you’ll need to:
Install required fire safety equipment (smoke alarms, CO detectors, fire extinguishers, etc.)
Create and display clear egress maps in all sleeping areas
Ensure your home meets all standards outlined in the Town’s official Fire Safety Checklist
These details may sound small, but missing even one requirement can delay your approval — or cause you to fail inspection altogether.
Step 4: Pass the Fire Inspection and Submit Results
Once your property passes inspection, you’ll submit the results to the Town of Vail for verification. Only after the town has reviewed and approved your documentation will your license move forward for final issuance.
Step 5: Submit proof of insurance or affidavit of coverage
TOV requires that your property has liability insurance in place or is using a listing website that provides similar coverage. Documentation must be submitted to prove the existence of this coverage.
Step 6: Post Your License and Begin Advertising
After your license has been officially issued, you must post it on the exterior of your property in a visible location.
Only then can you begin advertising your short-term rental on Airbnb, VRBO, or other platforms. Listing or renting without a valid, displayed license can lead to fines or enforcement actions from the Town of Vail.
Let Woodland Property Management Handle Everything for You
Getting licensed can feel complicated — but it doesn’t have to be.
At Woodland Management, we specialize in full-service property management for Vail short-term rentals, including:
Completing your STR license application and renewals
Coordinating fire inspections and safety compliance
Installing required safety items and egress maps
Managing listings, guest communication, and turnovers
Maximizing your nightly rates and occupancy year-round
We take care of every detail so you can enjoy effortless income and complete peace of mind.
Ready to Rent Your Vail Home — the Right Way?
Don’t let licensing paperwork or inspection requirements slow you down. Our local experts handle it all, from compliance to marketing.
📞 Contact Woodland Property Management today to get your property licensed, listed, and earning faster.
Let’s make your home one of Vail’s top-performing rentals.
*Every exact step for meeting licensing requirements may not be listed in this blog post. It is best to contact a local professional to get everything sorted!
