Hiring Contractors
Hiring an Electrician for a Denver Rental: Panels, Old Wiring and EV Chargers
By Denver Rental Managers · Updated October 27, 2026 · 6 min read
Summary
Colorado lets owners do electrical work on their own home, but not on property occupied by tenants, so rental owners need a licensed electrician for new work and alterations. Like-for-like repairs with new parts are outside the licensing law. In Denver, a 200-amp panel upgrade typically costs $1,375–$2,115 and a Level 2 EV charger about $829–$1,512, both with a permit.
Key takeaways
- Colorado's owner exemption for electrical work doesn't cover homes occupied by tenants.
- Replacing existing components with like-new parts for the same purpose is outside Colorado's licensing law.
- Panel upgrades and EV chargers in single-family homes and duplexes usually qualify for a Denver Quick Permit.
- Knob-and-tube wiring can make a home hard to insure; full replacement is a major project.
- The federal EV charger credit (30C) ended for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
General information for Denver-area rental owners, not legal advice. Rules and prices checked October 27, 2026. Cost ranges are published estimates, not quotes.
Licensing: the rental rule
Colorado's State Electrical Board licenses electricians. State law lets an owner do electrical work on their own property, but that exemption doesn't apply to property "occupied or to be occupied by tenants." Rental owners need a licensed electrician for new installations and alterations.
There's one carve-out: maintenance or repair that replaces existing components with like-new parts for the same purpose (a worn outlet, a failed switch, a light fixture) is outside the licensing law.
Electrical contractors must also register with Denver. Check both:
Permits
For single-family homes and duplexes with service of 400 amps or less, Denver's Quick Permit covers service upgrades, panels and subpanels, EV chargers and small solar systems. New circuits, rewiring and remodels need a regular electrical permit.
What electrical work costs in Denver
| Job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 100-amp panel | $845–$1,590 (Denver) |
| 200-amp panel | $1,375–$2,115 (Denver) |
| 400-amp panel | $2,115–$4,230 (Denver) |
| Electrical permit | $100–$500 (Denver) |
| Level 2 EV charger | $829–$1,512, average $1,156 (Denver) |
| Knob-and-tube replacement | $12,000–$36,600, or $10–$20 per square foot (national) |
| Electrician labor | $65–$130 an hour (Denver) |
Source: Angi's 2026 cost guides.
Older wiring
Denver has many homes built before 1950, and some still have knob-and-tube wiring or undersized panels. Many insurers won't cover knob-and-tube wiring unless an electrician certifies it's safe. Before you rent an older home:
- Have a licensed electrician evaluate the panel and wiring.
- Ask your insurer what they require.
- Budget for replacement over time if needed.
See our older Denver homes guide.
EV chargers in rentals
More Denver renters drive EVs, and a Level 2 charger can be a selling point. Before installing one:
- Check whether the panel has capacity. An upgrade can add $800–$2,000.
- Decide who pays for the electricity and put it in the lease.
- Note that the federal 30C credit for EV chargers ended for property placed in service after June 30, 2026.
How to get help
Good property managers have licensed electricians on call and know which older homes need panel or wiring work before a tenant moves in. We'll match you with up to three vetted, licensed managers. Free, no obligation. Get matched free.
Sources
- C.R.S. 12-115-116: Electrical license exemptions
- Colorado DORA: Check a license
- City and County of Denver: Contractor license search
- City and County of Denver: Quick permits
- Angi: Panel upgrade (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: EV charger installation (Denver cost guide)
- Angi: Knob-and-tube replacement cost (national)
- IRS: Instructions for Form 8911 (30C)
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.
