Should You Rent Your Home for Sundance?

A Thoughtful Decision Guide for Boulder Homeowners

As Boulder prepares to welcome the Sundance Film Festival, many homeowners are asking:

“Should I rent my home during Sundance?”

It’s a fair question—and an exciting one.

But the honest answer is:

Not every home should be rented. And not every homeowner should participate.

And that’s actually a good thing.

Start Here: What Role Do You Want to Play?

Before thinking about pricing or logistics, take a step back.

Sundance isn’t just an event—it’s a cultural moment for Boulder.

So the better question is:

How do I want to participate?

There are three primary paths:

Rent Your Home
Host with Intention
Opt Out

Each one is a smart decision—depending on your situation.

Renting Your Home

This may be a good fit if:

• Your property qualifies (licensing + HOA compliant)

• You’re comfortable with short-term guests

• You’re willing to prepare and manage the experience

• You understand pricing expectations

A Reality Check on Pricing

This is not a “name your price” moment.

Most attendees are regional and price-sensitive, which means pricing needs to be thoughtful—not speculative.

A simple framework:

• Start with your typical January rental rate

• Increase no more than ~50%

Overpricing doesn’t just hurt your chances of booking—it can push attendees out of Boulder entirely.

When Renting May Not Be the Right Fit

• Your HOA prohibits short-term rentals

• You’re hoping for unrealistic pricing

• You don’t want to manage logistics or guest experience

• Your home isn’t well-suited for short-term stays

This is where many homeowners get it wrong.

Hosting with Intention

Hosting is different from renting.

It’s less about income—and more about experience.

Instead of asking, “What can I make?”
It becomes, “What can I offer?”

Hosting Might Be Right for You If:

• You enjoy people and connection

• You want to be part of the Sundance experience

• You can offer a welcoming, thoughtful environment

• You’re open to a more personal level of engagement

What Hosting Actually Looks Like

• A clean, comfortable space

• Thoughtful local recommendations

• Clear communication and ease of stay

• A sense of warmth and welcome

Not over-the-top. Just intentional.

Choosing Not to Participate

This is the most overlooked—and often the right—option.

You may choose not to rent or host if:

• You value privacy

• You don’t want disruption

• Your home isn’t a fit

• It simply doesn’t feel aligned

And that is completely valid.

A healthy Sundance experience in Boulder depends on balance—not full participation.

The Licensing Reality

If you do decide to participate:

• You must have proper licensing

• HOA rules still apply (and may override City approval)

• You must comply with occupancy, safety, and tax requirements

Do not list your home without proper authorization.

The Bigger Picture

Sundance will bring:

• Tens of thousands of visitors

• Increased visibility for Boulder

• A long-term cultural presence

But its success depends on:

• Accessibility

• Community participation

• Thoughtful decision-making

A Better Way to Think About It

Instead of asking:

“How much can I make?”

Ask:

“Does this make sense for my home, my lifestyle, and my community?”

That shift changes everything.

Let’s Talk It Through

Every home—and every situation—is different.

If you’re unsure what makes sense for you, I’m always happy to walk through it together.

Kiki Kidder

Principal Real Estate Advisor | Compass
Kiki Kidder & Brad Thomas — Boulder Real Estate Advisors

Local. Strategic. Connected.