Heads up, Denver landlords: you now need a license to operate.

You might not know that the city’s new licensing requirement began Jan. 1. Many landlords have yet to comply.

“We are not where we need to be,” Department of Excise and Licenses spokesperson Eric Escudero recently told 9News. “But we’re actually off to a good start when you think about this as the largest expansion of required licenses in Denver history.”

All landlords with multiple units at one location (such as apartment buildings) are now required to schedule an inspection of their properties. “What we’re talking about is making sure there’s running water, a functioning heater, no broken windows, no black mold, no pests – just basically the minimal housing standards that everyone should expect when paying thousands of dollars for a rental property,“ notes Escudero.

Properties must pass inspection for landlords to acquire the license. Landlords can expect to pay an average cost of around $250 for inspection and licensing fees.

Beginning in 2024, landlords of single-unit properties will also face licensing requirements.