How to Find Townhomes for Rent in Denver

With its ideal combination of vibrant city life, diverse neighborhoods, job opportunities, and proximity to the mountains, it’s no surprise that so many people dream of living in Denver. Many are drawn to the Mile High City in pursuit of a more laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle — and its unbeatable views.

In Denver’s notoriously pricey — and competitive — housing market, renting a townhome can feel like the best of both worlds, offering a fantastic blend of city access and comfortable living. A townhouse is typically a multi-story home with shared walls, no upstairs neighbors, and a small yard or patio.

Many renters love townhomes because they’re more spacious than apartments but require less maintenance than houses. Townhouses often boast a variety of community amenities, and some are pet-friendly.

Evernest is a local property management expert dedicated to helping renters find their perfect homes, and we have a wide range of Denver rental listings, including townhouses.

This blog is a comprehensive guide to finding townhomes for rent in Denver. Read on to discover valuable insights and resources that can help you find your dream Denver townhome!

Understanding the Denver Rental Market for Townhomes

In Denver’s competitive housing market, the price to rent a townhome will vary widely based on location and demand, as well as countless other factors. But on average, Denver townhouses rent for $3,035, higher than the typical rental price of $2,270 for all home types, according to Zillow. 

These are some of the key factors that will influence how much you’ll pay for a townhome in Denver:

• Location: As a large city in a sprawling metropolitan area, Denver has dozens of diverse neighborhoods, each with their own unique characteristics. A Denver townhome might cost more if it’s in a desirable spot close to downtown, or if it’s in a popular neighborhood like Highlands, LoHi, Cherry Creek, Stapleton/Central Park, Congress Park, or Capitol Hill.
• Size: The higher the number of bedrooms and bathrooms you’re hoping for, the more you’re likely to pay.
• Amenities: If you’d like a townhouse with a garage, in-unit laundry or rooftop deck, expect to pay more. You’ll also likely pay a premium for a pet-friendly townhome. Some townhomes are in neighborhoods with amenities like a community pool, which can make them more desirable — and more expensive. 
• Age and Condition: A newer or more well-maintained townhome is likely to be more expensive than one that feels dated.

In the spring and summer, there are typically more townhomes available for rent, but you’re also likely to face more competition from other prospective renters. In the fall and winter, you might see fewer options, but there will also be less competition. 

Where to Begin Your Search: Top Resources for Finding Townhomes for Rent in Denver

Whether you prefer modern methods, like browsing Zillow, or the old-school route, like driving through neighborhoods looking for “For Rent” signs, there are plenty of ways to begin your search for townhomes for rent in Denver. This is what we recommend:

• Online Rental Platforms: Many people like to start by looking on popular national websites such as Zillow, Trulia, HotPads, Realtor.com, Apartments.com, or Redfin. These websites can be valuable resources, but to make your search more efficient and effective, we recommend using filters, saving searches that you frequently return to, and turning on alerts.
• Property Management Companies: When you work with a local property management company, you can lean on their local market expertise. Through a local property management company, you can gain access to exclusive listings that aren’t always on public sites while also benefitting from their professional screening, transparent processes, and ongoing maintenance and support. Evernest is a local property management company that can help you find your dream rental with our portfolio of Denver townhomes!
• Local Real Estate Agents Specializing in Rentals: A Denver-based real estate agent can help you by tapping their network to help you find the best rentals. They will likely be able to pre-screen rentals and negotiate on your behalf.
• Social Media and Local Groups: Consider browsing Facebook Marketplace, joining local Denver rental groups online, or paging through neighborhood-specific forums to find under-the-radar deals. However, be careful as you search: Scams are also common on social media, so be sure to verify listings, especially before sending money to anyone.
• Driving Through Desired Neighborhoods: If you know where you’d like to live in Denver, it can be helpful to drive through those neighborhoods to look for “For Rent” signs. You might find private landlords advertising this way.

Key Considerations When Looking for Townhomes for Rent in Denver

There are a few things you should keep in mind as you hunt for a townhome in Denver, from your budget to your ideal features and amenities.

• Budgeting Beyond Rent: When calculating how much you can afford to pay for your townhome, don’t forget that you’ll also be responsible for water, gas, electric, trash, and internet. You will likely also have to pay an application fee and provide a security deposit. If you have pets, you’ll be asked to pay a pet fee or deposit, which are often higher in Denver.
• Desired Features and Amenities: Before you begin searching, create a list of must-haves. You might decide that one of your nonnegotiables is a garage, which can be crucial in Denver, or a minimum number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Or you might prioritize other amenities, such as in-unit laundry or outdoor space. (Some townhomes have a patio, small yard, or rooftop access.) Some townhouses are pet-friendly, and others are in neighborhoods with community amenities, like a pool, gym, or clubhouse.
• Neighborhood Matters: In a city as large as Denver, with its many diverse neighborhoods, consider how far away you’re willing to live from work or school — and if you’re commuting, take Denver's traffic patterns into account. Access to amenities like grocery stores, parks, and RTD bus and rail routes can be important, as well as the quality of nearby schools and local safety and crime rates.
• Lease Terms and Conditions: A standard lease lasts for 12 months, but you can ask about shorter or longer options. Some Denver properties provide rent credits as a signing bonus, but note that the amount you pay for rent may go up upon renewal without this credit. (Our experts at Evernest discussed it in a recent edition of The Nest newsletter.) Also, make sure you’re aware of any maintenance responsibilities and notice requirements for moving out.

The Application Process and What to Expect

To apply to rent a townhome in Denver, you will need to provide a variety of documents, including proof of income (such as pay stubs or an offer letter) and identification. The landlord will likely perform a credit check and background check, and you might also need to show your rental history or provide references from previous landlords.

Many landlords require a credit score of at least 670, which is considered “good,” and that your monthly pay is at least three times the rent.

A new Colorado law requires that landlords accept portable tenant screening reports from prospective tenants. A portable tenant screening report is a document that includes information a landlord might want to know before renting to you, including verification of employment and income, rental and credit history, and criminal history. It can save renters from paying for multiple credit and background checks.

Once you’re approved, it’s time to sign the lease! At this point, you will likely need to pay the security deposit and first month's rent. Before you officially move in, we recommend carefully walking through the property and documenting it with photos and video to reduce the chance of any misunderstandings over damage.

Tips for a Smooth Rental Experience in Denver

As you begin your search for a townhome in Denver, we have six important tips for you:

• Act Quickly: Desirable townhomes in Denver can be rented very quickly, so if you see one you like, don’t wait.
• Be Prepared: Have all necessary documents and funds ready.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to clarify any terms or conditions with the landlord or property manager.
• Document Everything: Keep records of all communications and payments, and thoroughly document the property’s condition before you move in.
• Understand Your Lease: Read every clause thoroughly before signing.
• Visit in Person: If possible, visit the property and neighborhood to get a true feel for where you’ll be living.

Wrapping Up: Finding Townhouses for Rent in Denver

As you embark on your search for townhouses in Denver, it’s important to understand the market, from where you’ll find your ideal townhome to how much it might cost. Using a variety of search methods can speed up the process: Browsing online rental platforms, working with a local property management company, and driving through your desired neighborhoods to look for “For Rent” signs can all be helpful, and you don’t have to stick to just one.

Finding your dream rental takes persistence — and maybe even a bit of luck — but with a little preparation, we know you’ll find the perfect townhome.

Looking for townhouses to rent in Denver? Browse available properties here.