"In Denver, where nearly 27,000 rental units are vacant amid a housing crisis, housing advocates propose a "ghost tax" to incentivize landlords to make these units available and fund affordable housing initiatives. The tax aims to combat the imbalance between empty homes and people in need of housing, but landlords fear it may drive rents up further in an already expensive market. As Colorado grapples with housing affordability issues, advocates believe taxing vacant units could be a crucial solution."
"Key takeaways Ghost tax overview: The proposed ghost tax in Denver targets landlords who keep rental units vacant for extended periods, aiming to encourage them to rent out or sell these properties or contribute to affordable housing funds. Advocates' argument: Housing advocates in Colorado advocate for the ghost tax as a means to generate revenue for affordable housing initiatives and bring unused housing back into the market to address the housing crisis."
Nearly 27,000 rental units in Denver sit vacant while many residents face housing instability. Advocates propose a "ghost tax" on long-term vacant units to push landlords to rent or sell properties or to direct revenue into affordable housing programs. Proponents argue the tax would both increase housing supply and generate funds for affordability initiatives. Landlords and property groups warn that such a tax could prompt higher rents or other market impacts in an already costly housing environment. The proposal intensifies debate over policy tools to address Colorado's persistent affordability challenges.
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