Colorado short-term rentals back in business statewide

Colorado Governor Jared Polis issued an executive order on Monday that allows short-term rentals to reopen throughout the state after they were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Short-term rental operators must make sure spaces are thoroughly sanitized between guests and follow new rules designed to prevent spread of the virus. Among other rules, operators are required to:

• Provide hand sanitizer and/or soap and water that’s easily accessible to guests upon arrival and during their stay
• Provide cleaning and/or disinfecting products for guests to use, along with instructions
• Wait 24 hours after guests vacate before entering the property for cleaning, or as long as possible if 24 hours isn’t feasible
• Remove shared soft objects that are difficult to clean, such as throw blankets, decorative pillows, or other soft objects
• Maintain at least six feet of distance and wear a face mask during any interactions with guests, staff, or the community
• Avoid scheduling back-to-back stays
• Provide flexible cancellation policies
• Collect all guests’ contact information and be prepared to cooperate with local public health contact tracing efforts

Short-term rentals have already resumed operations in a few counties whose variance requests from the state public health order have been approved. These include Eagle County, Hinsdale County, and Larimer County.

In Aspen, vacation rental properties run by professional property managers were already allowed to reopen at 50% capacity.

In Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer lifted the state’s stay-at-home order, allowing some businesses to reopen, including short-term rentals, effective immediately.

Traverse City also ended its ban on short-term rentals shortly after the state did.

The state requires social distancing practices for reopened activities, including wearing face masks in enclosed public spaces and workplace safety and sanitation rules.

Previously, the governor’s executive order prohibited short-term vacation rentals “except as necessary to assist in housing a health care professional aiding in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic or a volunteer who is aiding the same.”