Hiring Contractors
Handymen, Cleaners, Painters and Snow Removal for Denver Rentals
By Denver Rental Managers · Updated October 27, 2026 · 7 min read
Summary
In Denver, a handyman can do work that doesn't need a permit, like painting, flooring, small drywall patches and like-for-like fixture swaps, but anything requiring a permit needs a licensed contractor. Painters and handymen working on pre-1978 homes need EPA lead-safe certification for most jobs. Typical Denver costs: about $720 for move-out cleaning, $183 for carpet cleaning, $64 per snow removal visit and $340 per handyman job.
Key takeaways
- Denver ties licensing to permits: handymen can do permit-exempt work only.
- Painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops and drywall patches up to 32 sq ft don't need a Denver permit.
- Pre-1978 homes: paid painters and handymen need EPA RRP certification for most paint-disturbing work.
- Denver requires sidewalks cleared by the day after snow stops; fines start at $150.
- Denver Water has banned lawn watering since October 1, 2026, so plan landscaping contracts accordingly.
General information for Denver-area rental owners, not legal advice. Rules and prices checked October 27, 2026. Cost ranges are published estimates, not quotes.
What a handyman can do in Denver
Denver doesn't have a handyman license. Instead, its building code requires a licensed contractor for "any work requiring a permit." So a handyman can legally do permit-exempt work, including:
- Painting, wallpaper and flooring.
- Cabinets and countertops.
- Drywall patches of 32 square feet or less.
- Replacing a sink, toilet or disposal with the same kind.
- Replacing a worn outlet or switch with a like-new part.
- Same-size window and door replacement in one- and two-family homes (but see lead rules below).
- Non-structural general repairs.
A handyman can't legally replace a water heater or furnace, install new circuits, replace a roof, or do structural work. Those need permits and licensed contractors.
Cost: Angi's 2026 Denver guide puts a typical handyman job at $152–$557 (average $340). National hourly rates run about $50–$150.
Lead-safe work in older homes
If the home was built before 1978, a paid painter or handyman who disturbs more than 6 square feet of paint per room inside (or 20 square feet outside), or replaces any window, must be EPA RRP certified. Ask for the certificate. See our radon, mold and lead guide.
Turnover vendors
| Service | Typical Denver cost |
|---|---|
| Move-out cleaning | about $720 (deep clean about $540) |
| Carpet cleaning | $125–$240 (average about $183) |
| Painting one room (10x12) | $300–$660 |
| Whole interior, 1,000 sq ft home | $3,800–$7,900 |
| Whole interior, 2,300 sq ft home | $8,700–$18,000 |
| Painters | $50–$100 an hour per painter |
Source: Angi's Denver cost guides (2025–2026).
Tip: if you deduct cleaning or repainting from a security deposit, Colorado law limits deductions to damage beyond normal wear and tear, and you'll need receipts. See our security deposit guide and turnover checklist.
Snow removal
Denver requires residential property owners to clear sidewalks by the day after snow stops falling. Fines start at $150. Your lease should say whether you or the tenant handles it. For single-family rentals, many owners hire a service so it's never in question.
| Service | Typical Denver cost |
|---|---|
| Per visit | $42–$89 (average $64) |
| Seasonal contract | $320–$745 |
| Two-car driveway, per visit | $80–$135 |
Source: Angi's 2026 Denver cost guide.
Lawn and landscaping
Denver Water declared a Stage 1 drought in 2026 and has banned lawn watering and spray irrigation since October 1, 2026, until its board acts further. Trees and shrubs can be watered by hand or drip. Fines start at $500 for single-family customers. Check current rules before signing a landscaping contract, and make sure the lease says who handles yard care.
| Service | Typical Denver cost |
|---|---|
| Lawn mowing, per visit | $40–$194 (average $116) |
| Monthly plan | $215–$425 |
Source: Angi's 2026 Denver cost guide.
Vetting small vendors
- Ask for general liability insurance, even for cleaners and snow crews.
- Get the scope and price in writing.
- For anything at a tenant-occupied home, give proper notice before entry.
- Keep receipts. You'll need them for taxes and deposit deductions.
How to get help
Good property managers bundle these vendors, schedule turnovers tightly and handle snow and lawn compliance. We'll match you with up to three vetted, licensed managers. Free, no obligation. Get matched free.
Sources
- 2025 Denver Building Code (Sections 120–131: licensing and permits)
- City and County of Denver: Residential interior remodel permits
- EPA: RRP rule for contractors
- Angi: Handyman prices (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: House cleaning (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Carpet cleaning (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Painting a room (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Interior painting (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Snow removal (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Lawn mowing (Denver cost guide)
- Denver Water: Watering rules
This guide is general information for Colorado landlords, not legal advice. Laws change; confirm current requirements with the Colorado Division of Real Estate or a licensed attorney before acting.
