Boulder Long-term Rental License & SmartRegs Inspections

City of Boulder Certified Inspector for Rental Licensing and Energy Efficiency Compliance

Required by City of Boulder: All long-term rental properties (30+ days) in Boulder must have a valid rental license, which requires both a Rental License Inspection and SmartRegs compliance before the property can be legally rented.

The City of Boulder requires all property owners to obtain a rental license before advertising or renting their property for long-term rentals (30 days or more). This licensing process involves two distinct but equally important inspections: the Rental License Inspection for safety and property maintenance standards, and the SmartRegs Inspection for energy efficiency and water conservation standards.

As a City of Boulder certified inspector, Stauss Inspections is licensed to perform both required inspections, helping landlords and property owners achieve full compliance efficiently and cost-effectively. We guide you through the entire process and ensure your property meets all City requirements for licensing.

Two Required Inspections for Boulder Rental Licensing

Rental License Inspection

Safety & Property Maintenance

This inspection certifies compliance with the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and Boulder’s safety standards. It covers all aspects of health, safety, and habitability for your rental property.

What’s Inspected:

  • Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
  • Electrical systems and panels
  • Plumbing and water systems
  • HVAC and heating equipment
  • Structural components
  • Fire safety and egress
  • Occupancy signage requirements
  • Floodplain signage (if applicable)

SmartRegs Inspection

Energy Efficiency & Water Conservation

Boulder’s SmartRegs ordinance requires rental properties to meet minimum energy efficiency standards. This inspection evaluates your property’s energy performance and identifies the path to compliance.

Compliance Required:

  • 100 energy efficiency points
  • 2 water conservation points
  • Based on prescriptive pathway (most common)
  • OR HERS rating of 120 or less
  • One-time requirement per property

Complete Rental License Inspection Checklist

Our comprehensive inspection covers all requirements mandated by the City of Boulder for rental licensing:

  • Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms

  • Smoke alarms in each sleeping room
  • Smoke alarms outside each sleeping area
  • Smoke alarms on every level including basement
  • Carbon monoxide alarms per Colorado state law
  • Proper power source and backup batteries
  • Listed and labeled units

  • Electrical Systems

  • Panelboard cover removal and inspection
  • Verification of safe wiring, grounding, and breakers
  • Circuit breaker accessibility for each occupant
  • Minimum two receptacles per habitable room
  • GFCI protection in bathrooms, kitchens, and wet areas
  • Grounded receptacles in laundry areas
  • Proper electrical service and capacity

  • Plumbing & Water Systems

  • Hot and cold water supply to all fixtures
  • Water heater installation and safety
  • TPR valve and proper discharge piping
  • Drain, waste, and vent systems
  • Fixtures and faucets operation
  • No active leaks or water damage

  • Heating, Ventilation & Mechanical

  • Heating system operational and safe
  • Proper heating capacity for all rooms
  • Combustion air and venting systems
  • Gas line installation and shut-offs
  • Bathroom and kitchen ventilation
  • Clothes dryer venting to exterior
  • Equipment clearances and access

  • Structural & Safety Features

  • Structural members properly functioning
  • Stairways, handrails, and guardrails
  • Egress windows in sleeping rooms
  • Exterior doors and locks
  • Foundation, walls, and roof condition
  • Windows and weather protection

  • Required Signage & Documentation

  • Maximum occupancy sign posted (8.5″ x 11″ minimum)
  • Floodplain warning sign (if in 100-year floodplain)
  • Visible address numbers from street
  • Contact information for property owner/agent

  • General Property Maintenance

  • Exterior maintained and free from hazards
  • Roof, gutters, and drainage systems
  • Interior walls, floors, and ceilings
  • Sanitary facilities and cleanliness
  • Pest-free conditions

SmartRegs Energy Efficiency Requirements

Boulder’s SmartRegs program is one of the nation’s most innovative energy efficiency initiatives for rental housing. The goal is to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions while improving the comfort and affordability of rental properties.

How SmartRegs Points Work

Your property must achieve 100 energy efficiency points plus 2 water conservation points. Points are awarded based on various energy-saving features and improvements:

Windows

Up to 13 points for energy-efficient windows

Insulation

Points for wall, attic, and basement insulation

HVAC Systems

High-efficiency heating and cooling equipment

Water Heater

Efficient models and proper installation

Lighting

LED and energy-efficient bulbs throughout

Appliances

Energy star refrigerators and dishwashers

Air Sealing

Blower door test results and improvements

Water Conservation

Low-flow fixtures and efficient toilets

Common Upgrades to Reach Compliance

Most properties don’t pass SmartRegs initially, but compliance is achievable. The most common and cost-effective upgrades include:

  • Replacing all light bulbs with LED bulbs (easy and affordable)
  • Installing low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
  • Upgrading to high-efficiency toilets
  • Adding attic insulation
  • Sealing air leaks and improving weatherization
  • Upgrading old appliances to ENERGY STAR models

Good News: SmartRegs compliance is only required once! Once your property passes, it remains compliant even when the rental license is renewed every four years.

Important Exemptions

Rental License Exemptions

You may be exempt from rental licensing if the property is owner/relative occupied. However, this does NOT apply to rental situations.

SmartRegs Exemptions
  • Your property may be automatically exempt from SmartRegs if:
  • Building permit issued after July 1, 2001
  • Manufactured home
  • Attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU)
  • Already has a HERS rating of 120 or less

A “Technically Impractical” exemption may be available for properties that cannot feasibly meet all requirements due to cost or construction limitations.

The Inspection Process

Step 1: Schedule Your Inspections

Contact Stauss Inspections to schedule both your Rental License and SmartRegs inspections. We can often perform both inspections on the same day for your convenience.

Step 2: Prepare Your Property

Walk through your property and address obvious issues. Ensure all utilities are on, smoke/CO alarms are installed, and the property is accessible.

Step 3: Inspection Day

We’ll conduct a thorough inspection of your property, including a blower door test for SmartRegs compliance. The inspection typically takes 2-4 hours depending on property size.

Step 4: Receive Your Report

You’ll receive a detailed report identifying any deficiencies and your SmartRegs point total. We’ll guide you on what needs correction and the most cost-effective path to compliance.

Step 5: Make Necessary Improvements

Complete any required repairs or upgrades identified in the inspection report.

Step 6: Re-inspection & Certification

Once improvements are complete, we’ll re-inspect to verify compliance and submit certification to the City of Boulder.

Step 7: Apply for Your Rental License

Submit your rental license application to the City of Boulder with our certification documentation. Your license is typically valid for four years.

Why Choose Stauss Inspections

  • City of Boulder licensed and certified rental inspector (Class G license)

  • Certified SmartRegs inspector trained by the City of Boulder

  • Both inspections can be completed on the same visit

  • Same-day reporting with clear guidance on compliance

  • Expert knowledge of Boulder’s specific requirements and common issues

  • Professional blower door testing equipment for SmartRegs

  • Cost-effective recommendations to achieve compliance

  • Personalized service and ongoing support throughout the process

  • Deep understanding of Boulder’s rental housing market

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The City of Boulder strictly enforces rental licensing requirements. Properties that are rented without a valid license face significant penalties:

  • Initial warning and notice of violation
  • Fines and enforcement fees
  • Continued non-compliance can result in court summons with a $250 bond per violation
  • Properties cannot be legally advertised or rented without a license

Don’t risk penalties—get compliant today.

Schedule Your Boulder Rental License & SmartRegs Inspection

Get both required inspections from a City of Boulder certified inspector. We’ll guide you through the entire compliance process.

Call to Schedule

Licensed by the City of Boulder to perform Rental License and SmartRegs Inspections

Serving Boulder and surrounding Colorado communities

If It Were My Home

Contact Information

office@staussinspections.com

303-532-5635

Proudly Serving

Stauss Inspections provides Residential Home Inspections, Pre-Listing Inspections, Maintenance and Warranty Walkthroughs, New Construction Inspections, Infrared Inspections, Radon Testing, Sewer Scope Inspections, Commercial Inspections, and Investor Inspections to the Colorado Front Range: Denver, Wheat Ridge, Arvada, Boulder, Morrison, Littleton, Golden, Evergreen, Lafayette, Louisville, Broomfield, Lakewood, Summit County, and Eagle County, Colorado.