Egress Windows and Denver's Rental License Inspection
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Denver's rental license inspection checks that every rental unit has a way out to open space at ground level, and that its exit doors and windows aren't blocked or locked. The city treats a unit as egress-compliant if it meets the Denver Building and Fire Code it was permitted under. We cut, install and set the well. (Denver RRP guidebook)
Informational only. This is not legal advice. Denver's Department of Public Health & Environment and CPD make the final call.
Who needs a Denver rental license
Denver's Residential Rental Program covers any building, structure or accessory dwelling unit rented as a residence for 30 days or more at a time. Short-term rentals of under 30 days, on-campus college housing, boarding homes and lodging facilities are excluded. Multi-unit properties had to apply by January 1, 2023, and single-unit properties by January 1, 2024 (RRP guidebook, rev. 10.10.2025).
What the inspection checks on egress
Checklist item 1.1 (Residential Health regulation 2-202 A–C) requires:
- every dwelling unit to have a means of egress leading to a safe, open space at ground level
- stairs, porches and appurtenances in sound condition and good repair
- doors, windows, corridors and stairways used as ordinary or emergency exits to be free of stored material and never obstructed or locked to people inside
The guidebook adds: "Property is compliant with egress requirements if compliant with Denver Building and Fire Code under which it was permitted and constructed." (Guidebook; Inspector checklist) Related basement items: 5.3 (below-grade units free of leaks and dampness, checked in every rented basement unit) and 4.2 (furnace room separation in basements) (Guidebook).
Code numbers for a new egress window
- Net clear opening: at least 5.7 sq ft. This applies to every egress opening, including those at or below grade.
- Net clear height at least 24 in.; net clear width at least 20 in.
- Sill no higher than 44 in. above the floor.
- Window well: at least 9 sq ft, with horizontal projection and width each at least 36 in., and the window must open fully inside it.
- Well deeper than 44 in.: a ladder is required, and it may not encroach more than 6 in. into the well.
Section: R319 in Denver (2025 Denver Building Code) and the other 2024-IRC jurisdictions (Arvada, Thornton, Littleton, Englewood, unincorporated Jefferson and Adams counties); R310 where the 2021 IRC still applies (Aurora, Lakewood, Centennial, Douglas and unincorporated Arapahoe counties). Figures are the base IRC numbers in our verified code file (ICC). Local amendments outside Denver, Douglas County and Centennial have not been verified, so confirm with your building department.
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Services: Egress window installation · Window well installation · Basement egress cutting Guides: Egress window cost guide · Permit guide · Egress code guide · Egress window check Cities: Denver · Aurora · Lakewood · Arvada · Centennial · Basement bedrooms, rentals and ADUs
Frequently asked questions
Does Denver's rental inspection check egress?
Yes. Checklist item 1.1 requires egress to safe, open ground-level space, sound stairs and porches, and exits that are clear and never locked to people inside (RH 2-202 A–C).
Does my basement rental need a new egress window to get licensed?
The guidebook says a property is egress-compliant if it meets the Denver Building and Fire Code it was permitted and built under. Confirm with the city for your unit.
Which rentals need a Denver license?
Any building, structure or ADU rented as a residence for 30 days or more at a time. Short-term rentals of under 30 days are excluded (RRP guidebook).
What size should a new egress window be in Denver?
Under Denver's 2025 code (IRC R319): at least 5.7 sq ft net clear, 24 in. high, 20 in. wide, with a sill no higher than 44 in.