| HB26-1224 Protections for Mobile Home Park Residents |
January 1st 2027 |
- Sale & Purchase Transparency: Expands disclosure requirements during mobile home park sales, including financial records, infrastructure details, ownership disclosures, financing information, and purchase agreements.
- Resident Purchase Rights: Requires landlords to provide requested sale documents within 7 days and negotiate in good faith with resident groups attempting to purchase the park.
- Resident & Fee Protections: Limits tenancy termination for ordinance violations unless a final government order exists, requires notice when rent increases are temporarily prohibited, and caps registration fees charged to residents.
- Overall Impact: Strengthens transparency, resident purchase opportunities, and financial protections for mobile home park residents.
|
| HB26-1196 Resident Data Information |
January 1st 2027 |
- Rental Application Disclosures: Landlords must include in every rental application a notice describing the information and data they will attempt to access when conducting resident screening.
- Screening Criteria Transparency: Applications must provide a general description of the factors the landlord will consider when evaluating applicants, including credit history, rental history, income, and criminal background (where applicable). Landlords are not required to adopt or disclose fixed disqualifying criteria.
- Third-Party Screening Service Disclosure: If a landlord uses a third-party resident screening service, the application must disclose that fact and name the service.
- Redaction of Personal Identifying Information in Eviction Filings: Landlords must comply with court rules governing the protection and redaction of personal identifying information in eviction filings. Personal identifying information must be redacted from any supporting documents submitted to the court that may become publicly accessible. If a court requires the information, it may be submitted confidentially under Judicial Department procedures.
- Defined Personal Identifying Information: Includes Social Security number, birth date, driver's license number, state identification number, bank account number, credit card number, and debit card number.
- The legislation aims to increase transparency in resident screening practices and protect residents' personal data in eviction proceedings, reducing risks of identity theft, arbitrary denials, and long-term barriers to housing.
|
| HB26-1099 Protect Financial Condition of Homeowners Associations |
August 12th 2026 |
- Reserve Studies: Requires declarants to commission and pay for a 30 year reserve study before transferring control of a planned community or condominium association.
- Association Disclosures: Requires associations to make the most recent reserve study available to unit owners as part of annual disclosures.
- Management Company Transfers: Requires former HOA management companies to transfer association records, accounts, passwords, and property within 45 days after termination or nonrenewal.
- The legislation attempts to increase financial planning transparency for HOAs and strengthens requirements for management company transitions and record transfers.
|
| HB26-1045 Disabilities Housing Protections |
August 12th, 2026 |
- Codifies Federal Guidance: Restores rescinded federal guidance on assistance animals into Colorado law to provide clarity and reduce litigation.
- New Definitions: Adds definitions for "assistance animal" (includes both service and emotional support animals), "emotional support animal," and "reasonable accommodation."
- Limits "Direct Threat" Claims: An assistance animal's mere presence does not constitute a direct threat or presumed property damage, though providers may consider documented, specific harmful conduct.
- Accommodation Presumptions: Permitting an assistance animal is presumed reasonable; a complete prohibition is presumed discriminatory. Providers may still request reasonable documentation and engage in a good-faith interactive process, unless the disability is obvious.
|
| HB26-1013 Ratio Utility Billing Systems |
March 26th 2026 |
- Ratio Utility Billing Systems: Allows landlords to allocate utility costs among residents using a ratio utility billing system if the total amount billed does not exceed the utility provider’s total charges.
- Billing Restrictions: Prohibits landlords from charging markups, surcharges, administrative fees, or other excess amounts beyond actual utility charges unless otherwise permitted by law.
- Disclosure Requirements: Requires landlords to clearly disclose the utility allocation method within the lease agreement or an addendum.
- Overall Impact is to establish statewide standards for ratio utility billing systems and limits additional utility related charges to residents.
|
| HB25-1249 Resident Security Deposit Protections |
January 1st, 2026 |
- Expanded Definition of Normal Wear and Tear: The bill clarifies that landlords cannot deduct for damage or defects that existed before the tenancy or for conditions that fall within normal wear and tear.
- Mandatory Walk-Through Inspections: Landlords must provide a pre-move-out inspection upon request—either in person or via video—to identify any damage beyond normal wear and tear. The inspection must be scheduled at a mutually convenient time.
- Bad Faith and Excessive Retention Penalties: A landlord is presumed to have acted in bad faith if they withhold more than 125% of actual damages. Courts may award damages if the deposit is withheld without proper cause or documentation.
- Carpet and Paint Limitations: Deductions for carpet or paint are only allowed for substantial, irreparable damage beyond normal wear, and carpet must have been installed within the last 10 years to qualify.
- Proof Burden on Landlords: In deposit disputes, landlords carry the burden of proving actual damages and must supply written statements and documentation within 14 days of a resident’s request.
- Successor and Refund Handling: Security deposits must be returned or transferred within 60 days of ownership transfer. If a refund check is returned, the landlord must hold it for 1 year and reissue it within 15 days of a resident’s request.
|
| HB25-1240 Protections for Residents with Housing Subsidies |
May 29th, 2025 |
- Eviction Notice Requirements: Landlords must follow federal eviction notice timelines when evicting residents who receive rental assistance.
- Late Fee Cap: Covered residents cannot be charged late fees exceeding $20 per late payment.
- Warranty of Habitability Reimbursement: Landlords must reimburse residents the difference between the rent paid and fair rental value if the unit fails to meet habitability standards—regardless of whether rent was paid via subsidy.
- Fair Housing Obligations Expanded: Landlords must respond to requests for subsidy-related documentation, cooperate with applications, and comply regardless of their business size—small landlord exemptions are removed.
- Mandatory $5,000 Damages/Penalties: Courts must award at least $5,000 to residents prevailing in subsidy-related discrimination cases. The Colorado Civil Rights Commission must also impose a $5,000 fine per violation.
|
| HB25-1239 Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act |
August 5th, 2025 |
- Expanded Remedies: Affected individuals may seek court orders requiring compliance, attorney’s fees, actual monetary damages, and noneconomic damages capped at $50,000 per violation.
- Statutory Fines: Plaintiffs may recover a statutory fine of $5,000 per violation, payable directly to each individual harmed.
- Smaller Business Exception: Small businesses (≤25 employees and ≤$3.5M annual revenue) that correct violations within 30 days may have noneconomic damages reduced by 50%.
- Unified Penalty Framework: Removes duplicate or conflicting penalties across housing, public accommodations, and employment, aligning all protected classes under a streamlined enforcement structure.
- ADA Standards Integration: Courts must apply standards and defenses consistent with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act when resolving disability-based discrimination claims.
|
| HB25-1236 Residential Resident Screening |
January 1st, 2026 |
- Exclusion of Credit Histories for Subsidized Applicants: Individuals applying with housing subsidies are not required to include credit reports, scores, or evidence of adverse credit in their screening report.
- Revised Definition of Adverse Credit Event: Clarifies that late rent payments and collection accounts are considered adverse credit events.
- Removal of Direct Access Requirement: Eliminates the provision that required resident screening reports to be made directly available via consumer reporting agencies or third-party websites.
- Extended Report Validity: The act allows landlords to accept a resident-provided portable screening report that's up to 60 days old, rather than the previous 30-day limit.
|
| HB25-1207 Pet Ownership Residential Housing Structures |
August 5th, 2025 |
- Homeowners Insurance Protections: Insurers cannot refuse, cancel, or raise premiums on homeowners, dwelling fire, commercial multifamily, or renter’s contents insurance based solely on a dog’s breed or breed mix—unless the dog is known or declared dangerous.
- Pet-Friendly Affordable Housing: All housing developments financed under the Colorado Housing Act of 1970 must allow residents to own or keep one or more cats or dogs, subject to reasonable conditions like leash use, insurance, and nuisance policies. Breed bans and weight limits are explicitly prohibited.
- Tax Credit Alignment: Affordable housing developments claiming state tax credits must also permit residents to keep pets under the same terms, ensuring consistency across financing mechanisms.
|
| HB25-1168 Housing Protections for Victim-Survivors |
August 6th, 2025 |
- Expanded Eligibility: Extends existing protections—originally for victims of domestic violence or abuse—to cover residents experiencing unlawful sexual behavior and stalking.
- Expanded Verification Options: Residents may use a criminal protection order, self-attestation affidavit, or a letter from a qualified advocate—not just police reports or civil protection orders—as proof of victim-survivor status.
- Repayment Plans for Unlawful Detention: If a victim-survivor is accused of occupying the property illegally due to unpaid rent, landlords must offer a fee-free repayment plan within three business days; the resident has seven days to respond or propose an alternative.
- Lease Termination Without Penalty: Victim-survivors who terminate their lease may avoid liability for damages caused by the abuser; they owe at most one month’s rent post-termination if documented economic damages are provided within 30 days.
- Suppression of Court Records: Courts must seal records of unlawful detention proceedings involving victim-survivors and may allow extended response timelines or hearings to accommodate their safety or access needs.
|
| HB25-1117 Vehicle Immobilization Company Regulation |
June 3rd, 2025 |
- Vehicle Booting Permits: All vehicle immobilization companies must obtain a permit from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The PUC may deny or revoke permits if a company fails to serve the public interest.
- Pre-Boot Documentation: Before immobilizing a vehicle, companies must document the condition of the vehicle and the justification for booting. Booting vehicles must display the company’s name, permit number, and phone number.
- Restrictions on Booting Practice: Companies cannot re-boot a vehicle already immobilized by another provider and may not charge multiple boot removal fees. Booting on private property requires written authorization or a court order. In common areas, a 24-hour notice must be posted on the vehicle before booting. Property owners must clearly post signage regarding booting enforcement. Companies are prohibited from patrolling property for enforcement purposes.
- Consumer Protection Standards: Violations are considered deceptive trade practices under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. Offending companies may face civil penalties of up to $20,000 per violation.
|
| HB25-1108 "Letty Act" Prohibitions in Rental Agreements Due to Death |
September 1st, 2025 |
- No Acceleration or Penalties: Rental agreements cannot demand accelerated rent beyond the month of death plus up to 10 business days, impose liquidated damages or other penalties, or require forfeiture of concessions if termination is due to the resident’s death.
- Estate Handover Procedures: Landlords may retake possession without an eviction if the resident's estate (personal representative) surrenders the unit, or, 30 days post-death, rent remains unpaid or most personal property is removed.
- Security Deposit Use: Landlords may withhold security or damage deposits only to cover losses directly caused by conditions related to the resident’s death.
- Clear Application: Applies to all rental agreements entered into on or after Septemberâ¯1,â¯2025.
|
| HB25-1090 Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices |
August 6th, 2025 |
- Total Price Disclosure: Sellers, including landlords, must clearly display the total price of goods, services, or rentals, inclusive of all mandatory fees. This ensures consumers can understand the full cost upfront and are not misled by separate or hidden charges.
- Resident Fee Restrictions: Landlords are prohibited from charging residents for certain types of fees unless explicitly allowed by law. These include fees related to state utility cost recovery, property tax processing, rent payment processing, and common-area maintenance.
- Disclosure of Nonstandard Fees: If a nonstandard fee is charged separately, the seller must identify it clearly and disclose who receives the fee and what it covers.
- Consumer Remedies: If a landlord or seller unlawfully collects a fee, the consumer may issue a written demand for reimbursement within 14 days. If not repaid, the consumer can recover the fee plus 18% annual interest through legal action.
- Unfair Trade Practice Classification: Violations are considered deceptive and unconscionable acts under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act, making them subject to enforcement and civil penalties.
- This legislation aims to eliminate deceptive pricing practices and ensure renters and consumers have full visibility into the true cost of what they are purchasing or leasing.
|
| HB25-1053 Landowner Immunity for Emergency Access to Property |
June 18th, 2025 |
- Civil Liability Protection: Landowners are not liable for injury, death, or property damage resulting from emergency access across their property, provided the access is granted voluntarily, in good faith, and without compensation. Immunity does not apply in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.
- No Duty of Maintenance or Suitability: Landowners are not required to ensure that their property is suitable, maintained, or safe for emergency access. Simply granting access does not impose any additional legal obligations.
- Voluntary Access Only: The bill does not compel landowners to allow access, nor does it grant emergency personnel the right to trespass. Any access must be consensual.
- Sovereign Immunity Not Affected: The legislation does not alter or waive any protections under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act for public entities.
- This legislation encourages property owners—especially in rural or wildfire-prone areas—to cooperate with emergency services by reducing the risk of lawsuits, potentially improving emergency response outcomes.
|
| HB25-1019 Third-Party Administration of Division of Housing Programs |
March 7th, 2025 |
- Third-Party Program Administration: The Division may contract with external organizations—such as nonprofits, local or tribal governments, or private entities—to administer programs providing rental assistance, housing vouchers, eviction defense, and supportive housing services for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Pay-for-Success Initiatives: The bill supports funding models where organizations receive financial support upon achieving specific, contractually agreed-upon outcomes, promoting accountability and results-driven services.
- This legislation aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of homelessness programs by leveraging the expertise of third-party organizations and implementing performance-based funding model
|
| HB24-1451 Include Hair Length in CROWN Act |
June 3rd, 2024 |
- Inclusion of Hair Length in Anti-Discrimination Protections: The bill amends existing statutes to specify that "race" encompasses hair texture, hair type, hair length, and protective hairstyles commonly or historically associated with race. This ensures that discrimination based on these characteristics is explicitly prohibited.
- Application Across Sectors: These protections apply to various sectors, including employment, education, and public accommodations, thereby broadening the scope of anti-discrimination measures to safeguard individuals against biases related to hair length associated with their racial or ethnic identity.
- By enacting this legislation, Colorado aims to promote inclusivity and protect individuals from discrimination based on hair characteristics linked to their racial or ethnic background.
|
| HB24-1337 Real Property Owner Unit Association Collections |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Mediation Requirement Before Foreclosure: HOAs are mandated to offer mediation to homeowners at least 30 days before initiating foreclosure proceedings for unpaid assessments or dues. This step aims to facilitate dispute resolution without immediate legal action.
- Caps on Attorney Fees: The bill limits the amount HOAs can charge homeowners for attorney fees related to collection efforts. Reimbursement for such fees is capped at the lesser of $5,000 or 50% of the original amount owed, protecting homeowners from excessive legal costs.
- Preconditions for Lien Foreclosure: Before foreclosing on a lien for unpaid dues, an HOA must obtain a personal judgment against the homeowner or demonstrate attempts to do so, such as being unable to serve the homeowner within 180 days. This ensures foreclosure is a last resort.
- Right of Redemption: The bill establishes a 180-day redemption period following a foreclosure sale, allowing homeowners or eligible parties to reclaim the foreclosed property by reimbursing the purchaser. This provision offers homeowners additional time to address their financial obligations and retain ownership.
|
| HB24-1318 Modify Rental Premises Person with Disability |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Removal of Restoration Requirement: Landlords can no longer require renters with disabilities to restore the interior of the premises to its original condition after making necessary modifications.
- Financial Responsibility Shift: The bill eliminates the provision that required individuals with disabilities to bear the cost of reasonable modifications to their rental units.
- This legislation aims to enhance housing accessibility for individuals with disabilities by removing financial and procedural barriers to necessary modifications.
|
| HB24-1315 Study on Remediation of Property Damaged by Fire |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Study on Remediation Practices: The Division of Insurance is tasked with conducting or commissioning a study to evaluate existing methods for inspecting, testing, and remediating homes damaged by smoke, soot, ash, and other fire-related contaminants.
- Development of Uniform Standards: Based on the study's findings, the Division is to recommend uniform standards for the inspection, testing, and remediation of fire-damaged residential properties, ensuring homes are restored to safe and habitable conditions.
- Reporting Requirements: A report detailing the study's findings and recommendations must be submitted to designated legislative committees by January 1, 2026.
|
| HB24-1308 Effective Implementation of Affordable Housing Programs |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Streamlined Application Process: The Division of Housing is required to accept applications for affordable housing programs quarterly, beginning at the start of each state fiscal year. Applications must be reviewed promptly, with any requests for additional information issued within 10 calendar days after the application period closes. Final decisions on applications are to be made within 45 days of receiving completed submissions.
- Enhanced Reporting Requirements: The Division must include specific information in its annual public report, such as the number of applications approved, denied, and pending; the amounts of money awarded and applied for but not granted; and details regarding the housing development grant fund, including fund balances and expenditures from the preceding year.
- Clarification of City Authority in Housing Projects: The bill amends the "City Housing Law" to explicitly authorize cities to acquire, own, lease, manage, operate, maintain, or contract for the management, operation, and maintenance of housing projects. This clarification ensures cities have the necessary authority to engage in various aspects of housing project administration.
- Simplification of Property Tax Exemption Applications: Community land trusts or nonprofit affordable homeownership developers with subdivided properties can now submit a single application and annual report for property tax exemptions. This streamlines the process, reducing administrative burdens and improving efficiency.
- These reforms aim to improve the administration of affordable housing programs, promote transparency, and empower local governments and organizations to effectively address housing needs within their communities.
|
| HB24-1294 Mobile Homes in Mobile Home Parks |
June 30th, 2024 |
- Expanded Definition of "Home Owner": The term now includes residents under rent-to-own contracts, ensuring they receive the same protections as traditional mobile homeowners.
- Language Accessibility: Landlords are required to provide essential notices and park rules in both English and Spanish, and upon reasonable request, in one additional language spoken by a resident. This measure ensures that non-English-speaking residents have access to critical information.
- Rent Increase Restrictions: Landlords are prohibited from increasing rent or issuing rent increase notices if they have not fully complied with any government order or have been found by the Division of Housing or a court to have violated the act.
- Resident Protections Against Retaliation: The bill presumes landlord actions to be retaliatory if, within 120 days preceding the action, a homeowner requested communications in a language other than English, thereby strengthening resident protections.
|
| HB24-1259 Price Gouging in Rent Declared Disaster |
June 5th, 2024 |
- Prohibition of Rent Price Gouging: During a disaster period and within the designated area, if a disaster declaration specifically notes a significant decrease in residential housing units, it is deemed an unfair and unconscionable act to engage in price gouging for rent-based housing.
- Definition of Price Gouging: For dwellings on the market immediately before the disaster, an increase in rent exceeding the greater of the previous year's rent increase percentage or 10% compared to the rent just before the disaster is considered price gouging. For dwellings not on the market immediately before the disaster, setting rent more than the greater of the previous year's rent increase percentage or 10% higher than similar nearby dwellings that were on the market before the disaster is considered price gouging.
- Definitions: "Disaster period" refers to the duration from the start of a disaster declaration and continuing for one year after the initial disaster date. "Designated area" is the specific geographic area identified in a disaster declaration.
- This legislation aims to protect residents from exploitative rent increases during times when housing availability is significantly impacted by disaster
|
| HB24-1233 Homeowners' Association Delinquency Payments Enforcement Procedures |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Elimination of Physical Posting Requirement: HOAs are no longer required to physically post a notice of delinquency on the unit owner's property.
- Reduction of Payment Plan Duration: The minimum duration for payment plans offered to delinquent unit owners has been reduced from 18 months to 12 months.
- Removal of Minimum Installment Amount: The previous requirement that monthly installments under a payment plan be at least $25 has been removed, allowing for more flexible repayment arrangements.
- Certified Mail Costs: HOAs are permitted to charge unit owners for the actual costs incurred when sending notices or documentation via certified mail.
- Exemption for Certain Timeshare Units: The bill exempts timeshare units not occupied on a full-time basis from some procedural requirements imposed by previous legislation.
- These changes aim to streamline HOA procedures and provide greater flexibility in managing delinquent accounts.
|
| HB24-174 Sustainable Affordable Housing Assistance |
August 6th, 2025 |
- Housing Needs Assessments: The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) is tasked with developing methodologies for conducting statewide, regional, and local housing needs assessments by December 31, 2024. Local governments with populations of 5,000 or more, or 1,000 or more if participating in a regional assessment or classified as rural resort communities, are required to conduct and publish local housing needs assessments by December 31, 2026, and update them every six years thereafter.
- Housing Action Plans: Based on the assessments, eligible local governments must develop housing action plans by January 1, 2028, outlining strategies to address identified housing needs, promote regional coordination, and inform the public of efforts to improve housing affordability.
- Technical Assistance and Funding: The Division of Local Government is directed to provide technical assistance and guidance to local governments in establishing regional entities, creating housing needs assessments, conducting displacement risk analyses, and implementing strategies to promote affordable housing. A Housing Needs Planning Technical Assistance Fund is established, with $10.5 million transferred from the Local Government Severance Tax Fund and $4.5 million from the Local Government Mineral Impact Fund to support these efforts.
- Master Plan Requirements: Counties and municipalities are required to update their master plans by December 31, 2026, to include water supply and strategic growth elements. The water supply element must identify adequate and suitable water supplies and facilities, while the strategic growth element should describe policies and tools to promote strategic growth, analyze vacant and underutilized sites for housing development, and assess underdeveloped sites not adjacent to developed land for potential residential use.
- Homeowners' Associations (HOAs) Restrictions: The bill prohibits HOAs from adopting or enforcing declarations, bylaws, rules, or regulations that restrict the construction of accessory dwelling units or middle housing if such constructions are permitted by local zoning laws.
- This legislation emphasizes a partnership between state and local governments to strategically plan for and address affordable housing needs, while preserving local autonomy and community character
|
| HB24-1175 Local Governments Rights to Property for Affordable Housing |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Right of First Refusal (ROFR): Local governments are granted the right to match any third-party offer to purchase existing affordable housing properties with five or more units. This right enables local authorities to acquire such properties to maintain or convert them into long-term affordable housing.
- Right of First Offer (ROFO): For multifamily properties aged 30 years or older, comprising between 15 and 100 units, local governments have the right to make the first purchase offer before these properties are listed for sale. This provision aims to facilitate the preservation or development of affordable housing or mixed-income projects.
- Notification Requirements: Property owners intending to sell must notify local governments and the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) at least two years and again six months before the expiration of existing affordability restrictions. This ensures local governments are informed and can exercise their rights in a timely manner.
- Assignment and Partnerships: Local governments may assign their ROFR or ROFO to housing authorities or the CHFA. They can also collaborate with nonprofit, private, or other governmental entities to finance, lease, or manage properties acquired under these rights, provided the properties are maintained as long-term affordable housing.
- Enforcement and Penalties: The Attorney General's office, local governments, or their assignees have the authority to enforce these provisions. Courts may impose penalties ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for violations, depending on the severity and recurrence of the offense.
- This legislation aims to empower local governments to proactively preserve and expand affordable housing options within their communities
|
| HB24-1152 Accessory Dwelling Units |
August 6th, 2025 |
- Mandatory ADU Allowance: Effective June 30, 2025, municipalities with populations of 1,000 or more within metropolitan planning organizations, and certain counties, must permit one ADU as an accessory use to a single-unit detached dwelling in areas zoned for such dwellings. This requirement standardizes ADU allowances across specified jurisdictions.
- Prohibition of Restrictive Regulations: The act prohibits subject jurisdictions from enforcing local laws that: Ban the construction or conversion of ADUs. Impose owner-occupancy requirements on properties with ADUs. Mandate additional parking spaces for ADUs. Enforce restrictive design or dimensional standards that would impede ADU development.
- Supportive Jurisdictions and Grant Program: Local governments that comply with ADU requirements and implement strategies to encourage ADU development can qualify as "supportive jurisdictions." These jurisdictions are eligible for grants from the Accessory Dwelling Unit Fee Reduction and Encouragement Grant Program, which provides funding to: Develop pre-approved ADU plans. Offer technical assistance for ADU projects. Reduce or waive fees associated with ADU construction.
- These measures aim to remove common barriers to ADU construction.
|
| HB24-1098 Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Resident |
April 19th, 2024 |
- Requirement for Cause in Evictions: Landlords are prohibited from evicting residential residents without cause. Valid causes for eviction include: Unlawful Detention: Situations where a resident unlawfully retains possession of the property. Nuisance or Property Damage: Resident behavior that creates a nuisance, disturbs other residents, or results in property damage. No-Fault Evictions: Specific conditions such as planned demolition, conversion of the property, substantial renovations, landlord or family member occupancy, withdrawal of the property from the rental market, resident's refusal to sign a reasonable new lease, or a history of late rent payments.
- Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide a 90-day notice to residents for no-fault evictions, ensuring residents have adequate time to secure alternative housing. This bill also now required all demands for possession have two attempts at personal service before the demands can be posted at the property. This includes rent demands.
- Exemptions: The act does not apply to certain rental situations, including: Short-Term Rentals: Properties leased for less than 30 consecutive days. Owner-Occupied Properties: Single-family homes, duplexes, or triplexes where the owner resides in one of the units. Employer-Provided Housing: Dwellings provided as part of employment. Recent Tenancies: Residents who have occupied the premises for less than 12 months.
- Anti-Retaliation Measures: Landlords are prohibited from using discriminatory, retaliatory, or unconscionable rent increases to circumvent the just cause eviction requirements.
- This legislation aims to enhance housing stability and protect residents from arbitrary displacement by ensuring evictions are based on legitimate reasons.
|
| HB24-1007 Prohibit Residential Occupancy Limits |
July 1st, 2024 |
- Prohibition of Occupancy Limits Based on Familial Relationships: Local governments, including counties, cities, and municipalities, are prohibited from limiting the number of individuals who can live together in a single dwelling based on their familial relationships. This measure prevents discrimination against nontraditional households and expands housing opportunities.
- Allowance for Health and Safety Standards: While restricting occupancy based on familial status is prohibited, local governments retain the authority to implement occupancy limits grounded in demonstrated health and safety standards. These standards may include adherence to international building codes, fire regulations, or wastewater and water quality standards set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
- Consistency with Affordable Housing Program Guidelines: The act permits local governments to enforce occupancy limits that align with guidelines from local, state, federal, or political subdivision affordable housing programs, ensuring that such programs operate effectively within established parameters.
- This legislation aims to eliminate discriminatory occupancy limits in Colorado while expanding housing opportunities.
|
| HB23-1254 Habitability of Residential Premises |
May 12th, 2023 |
- Definition of Environmental Public Health Event: The act defines an "environmental public health event" as a natural disaster or environmental occurrence, such as a wildfire, flood, or release of toxic contaminants, that could negatively impact the health and safety of residents residing in nearby residential premises.
- Landlord's Remediation Obligations: Landlords are required to remediate residential premises damaged due to an environmental public health event, ensuring compliance with applicable standards for remediation and cleanup. This includes addressing issues like smoke, ash, and other air contaminants to restore the premises to a habitable condition.
- Resident's Right to Terminate Lease: If a landlord fails to remediate the premises within 60 business days after receiving notice of the habitability issue, residents may terminate the lease without penalty. Additionally, members of vulnerable populations—such as children, individuals with asthma, disabilities, or those who are pregnant—can terminate the lease sooner if the conditions pose health risks.
- Prohibition of Retaliation: The act prohibits landlords from retaliating against residents who make good faith complaints about the conditions of their residential premises. This includes protections against eviction or other penalties in response to such complaints.
- Clarification of Resident Notification: Residents must provide written or electronic notice to landlords regarding habitability issues. The act clarifies acceptable methods for such notifications and requires landlords to respond within specified timeframes.
- This legislation aims to ensure that residential premises are promptly and adequately restored to habitable conditions following environmental public health events, thereby safeguarding resident health and housing stability.
- This bill was updated with 2024 legislation - SB24 – 094 - Safe Housing for Residential Residents
|
| HB23-1253 Task Force To Study Corporate Housing Ownership |
August 7th, 2023 |
- Examination of Corporate Housing Ownership: The task force is directed to study housing ownership by corporate entities and analyze residential real estate transactions involving these entities in Colorado since January 1, 2008, including acquisitions resulting from foreclosures.
- Methodology Development: It is tasked with determining a methodology to assess the impacts of corporate acquisition and ownership of residential properties, focusing particularly on single-family homes, condominiums, and townhomes.
- Data Collection and Analysis: The task force will gather and analyze relevant data, reports, and public records related to corporate ownership of housing to understand its effects on the housing market and communities.
- Legislative Recommendations: Based on its findings, the task force is expected to make legislative recommendations aimed at mitigating any identified negative impacts associated with corporate ownership of housing.
- Reporting Requirements: A report detailing the task force's findings and recommendations must be submitted to the Transportation, Housing, and Local Government Committee of the House of Representatives and the Local Government and Housing Committee of the Senate by October 1, 2025.
- This legislation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how corporate ownership influences Colorado's housing market and to inform potential policy responses to ensure housing affordability and availability for residents
|
| HB23-1120 Eviction Protections For Residential Residents |
June 6th, 2023 |
- Mandatory Mediation Before Filing Eviction: Before a landlord may file an eviction complaint, the landlord and resident must participate in mandatory mediation conducted by a neutral third party. This mediation must be provided at no cost to the resident and scheduled within 14 days of the landlord’s request, unless the resident voluntarily waives the right (but waivers cannot be included in lease agreements).
- Extended Time Before Execution of Writs of Restitution: For residents who receive Supplemental Security Income, Social Security Disability Insurance, or cash assistance through Colorado Works, a writ of restitution (the order that allows law enforcement to remove a resident) may not be executed until 30 days after judgment —providing additional time to secure housing.
- Source of Income Non‑Discrimination in Leasing: Rental agreements must include a statement that Colorado law prohibits discrimination based on lawful income sources—including public assistance or subsidy—except for very small landlords (five or fewer single‑family homes with no more than five total rental units).
- Rental Agreement Clause Restrictions: The bill eliminates clauses in leases that waive mandatory mediation rights or allow landlords to shift mediation costs onto residents. It also reinforces protections against one‑way fee‑shifting and unreasonable liquidated damages.
- Judicial Reporting Requirement: Beginning in January 2024 , the Judicial Department must report on the number of mediations scheduled under this law, their outcomes, and associated costs as part of its annual SMART Act hearings.
- Appropriation for Implementation: The act appropriates funding to the Judicial Department for administration of mediation services and related infrastructure.
|
| HB23-1099 Portable Screening Report For Residential Leases |
August 7th, 2023 |
- Acceptance of Portable Resident Screening Reports (PTSRs): Landlords are required to accept PTSRs provided by prospective residents. These reports must be prepared by a consumer reporting agency within the previous 30 days at the resident's request and expense.
- Prohibition of Application Fees with PTSRs: If a prospective resident provides a PTSR, the landlord is prohibited from charging any application fee or a fee to access or use the report.
- Required Information in PTSRs: A valid PTSR must include the resident's name, contact information, verification of employment and income, rental and credit history, and criminal history.
- Landlord Obligations Prior to Collecting Application Fees: Before collecting any resident information that would generate an application fee, landlords must inform prospective residents about the acceptance of PTSRs and the prohibition of charging fees to those who provide such reports.
- Exceptions for Landlords: Landlords are not required to accept PTSRs or provide related advisements if they do not accept more than one application fee at a time for a dwelling unit and refund the total amount of the application fee within 20 calendar days if the application is declined.
- Provision of Consumer Reports Upon Application Denial: If a landlord denies a rental application after obtaining a consumer report, they must provide the prospective resident with a copy of the report and inform them of their right to dispute its accuracy with the reporting agency.
- This legislation aims to reduce the financial burden on residents applying for multiple properties and promote transparency in the resident screening process.
|
| HB23-1095 Prohibited Provisions In Rental Agreements |
August 7th, 2023 |
- Prohibited Clauses in Rental Agreements: Penalties Related to Eviction Notices: Rental agreements must not include clauses that assign penalties to residents stemming from an eviction notice or action resulting from a lease violation. Unilateral Fee-Shifting Provisions: Clauses that award attorney fees and court costs exclusively to one party are prohibited. Any fee-shifting clause must allow the prevailing party to recover reasonable attorney fees, as determined by the court. Waivers of Fundamental Resident Rights: Agreements cannot include waivers of:
- The right to a jury trial (unless agreed upon during a possession hearing).
- The ability to participate in joint, class, or collective actions related to the tenancy.
- The implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.
- The implied covenant of quiet enjoyment, except where disturbances are beyond the landlord's reasonable control.
Fees for Failure to Provide Nonrenewal Notice: Landlords cannot impose fees, damages, or penalties on residents for failing to provide notice of nonrenewal before the lease ends, except for actual losses incurred due to the lack of notice. Characterization of Charges as Rent: Only the set monthly payment for occupancy can be characterized as "rent." Other fees, such as utilities or service charges, cannot be labeled as rent, limiting the remedies available for their collection. Third-Party Service Fee Markups: Rental agreements cannot require residents to pay marked-up fees for services billed to the landlord by third parties, unless the markup does not exceed 2% of the landlord's cost or a total of $10 per month, but not both. Evictions Based on Utility Nonpayment: Landlords participating in voucher or subsidy programs cannot pursue eviction actions solely based on a resident's nonpayment of utilities.
- This legislation aims to prevent unfair lease terms and ensure that residents retain essential rights during their tenancy.
|
| HB23-1068 Pet Ownership in Housing |
January 1st, 2024 |
- Prohibition on Breed-Based Insurance Discrimination: Insurers cannot deny, cancel, or increase premiums for homeowner's or dwelling fire insurance policies based solely on the breed or mix of breeds of a dog residing at the property. However, insurers may take such actions if a specific dog is known to be dangerous or has been legally declared dangerous.
- Handling of Pets During Evictions: When executing a writ of restitution (eviction), officers are required to inspect the premises for pet animals. If the resident is present, pets must be returned to them. If absent, the officer must contact local animal control to take custody of the pets, ensuring they are not left unattended on the property.
- Limits on Pet-Related Fees: Landlords are restricted in the amounts they can charge for pet-related fees: Pet Security Deposits: Capped at $300 per pet, and these deposits must be refundable. Pet Rent: Limited to the greater of $35 per month or 1.5% of the monthly rent per pet.
- Pet-Friendly Landlord Damage Mitigation Program: The bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Local Affairs to reimburse landlords for actual damages caused by pets, up to $1,000. This program encourages landlords to adopt pet-friendly policies by mitigating potential financial risks.
- Exclusion of Pets from Personal Property Liens: Landlords are prohibited from placing liens on a resident's pet animals for unpaid rent or other charges, ensuring pets are not used as collateral in disputes.
- Affordable Housing Tax Credit Conditions: The allocation of the Colorado affordable housing tax credit is contingent upon allowing residents to keep pet animals in their residences. While reasonable conditions may be imposed, prohibitions on specific breeds or weight restrictions are not considered reasonable.
- This legislation aims to balance the interests of pet-owning residents with those of landlords, promoting fair and reasonable pet policies in housing across Colorado.
|
| HB22-1287 Protections For Mobile Home Park Residents |
October 1st, 2022 |
- Resident Rights and Protections: Residents can request up to two meetings per year with park management to address concerns. Landlords are responsible for repairing damages caused by their failure to maintain park premises. Residents are protected from harassment or coercion related to purchasing opportunities, and landlords are prohibited from interfering with a homeowner's right to sell their home, except in limited circumstances.
- Park Sale and Purchase Opportunities: Park owners must notify residents of their intent to sell, triggering residents' right of first refusal and extending the purchase offer period from 90 to 180 days. Public entities can accept an assignment of the homeowners' right of first refusal, expanding purchase opportunities.
- Relocation Compensation: If a park closes due to a change in land use, displaced residents must be compensated for reasonable relocation costs within 100 miles or be paid fair market value for their homes. Minimum payments are $7,500 for single-section and $10,000 for multi-section mobile homes.
- Enforcement and Complaint Process: The Department of Local Affairs and the Attorney General have authority to enforce the law, impose penalties, and take immediate action for violations causing harm. Complaints can be filed by residents, local governments, or nonprofits under the dispute resolution program. Landlords must retain relevant tenancy records.
|
| HB22-1139 Home Owners' Associations Cannot Regulate Use Of Public Rights-of-way |
August 10th, 2022 |
- Prohibition on Regulating Public Rights-of-Way: HOAs are prohibited from regulating or restricting the use of public rights-of-way, including streets and sidewalks, if the use is lawful under local government ordinances or regulations. HOAs cannot require that public rights-of-way be used in a particular manner.
- Preservation of Local Authority: The authority to regulate public rights-of-way remains solely with local governments, ensuring consistency in public space regulations.
|
| HB22-1137 Homeowners' Association Board Accountability And Transparency |
August 10th, 2022 |
- Enhanced Communication Requirements: Before initiating collection actions for delinquent assessments, fines, or fees, HOAs must: Notify the unit owner of the delinquency through certified mail and by posting a notice on the owner's property. Contact the unit owner via an additional method, such as first-class mail, email, or text message. Maintain records of all communications related to the delinquency. Allow unit owners to designate a preferred language for correspondence and to identify a secondary contact person.
- Board Approval for Collections: HOAs are prohibited from referring delinquent accounts to a collection agency or attorney without a majority vote by the HOA's board of directors, recorded during a formal meeting.
- Limitations on Fines and Fees: The act restricts HOAs from imposing daily late fees or fines for violations of governing documents. Instead, fines must be reasonable and are capped at $500 per violation.
- Extended Payment Plans: HOAs are required to offer delinquent unit owners payment plans extending up to 18 months, providing more flexibility for homeowners to address outstanding debts.
- Application of Payments: Payments received from unit owners must first be applied to unpaid assessments before being allocated to other fees or charges, ensuring that the principal debt is addressed prior to additional costs.
- t: These measures aim to balance the enforcement capabilities of HOAs with protections for homeowners, promoting fairer practices in community managemen
|
| HB22-1102 Veterans And Military Status In Fair Housing |
August 10th, 2022 |
- Prohibition of Discrimination: It is unlawful to refuse to show, sell, transfer, rent, or lease housing; to discriminate in terms, conditions, or privileges related to housing; or to make inquiries concerning an individual's veteran or military status.
- Definition of Veteran or Military Status: The term includes members or veterans of the United States Armed Forces, Armed Forces Reserve, or National Guard, but excludes individuals dishonorably discharged.
- Permissible Inquiries: Inquiries regarding veteran or military status are allowed when determining eligibility for benefits or housing specifically designed for veterans or military personnel.
- This legislation aims to ensure that veterans and active service members are not denied housing opportunities based on their military affiliation.
|
| HB22-1040 Home Owners' Reasonable Access To Common Areas |
August 10th, 2022 |
- Preservation of Access: Homeowners' associations (HOAs) must preserve and protect unit owners' ability to use and enjoy common elements, prohibiting unreasonable restrictions or prohibitions on access.
- Restrictions During Maintenance: Access to common elements can only be restricted during maintenance, repair, replacement, or modification to: Protect the safety of individuals, including unit owners and maintenance personnel. Preserve the structural integrity of the repair, replacement, or modification.
- Notification Requirements: If access to common elements is restricted for more than 72 hours, HOAs must: Provide electronic or written notice to each unit owner, including:
- An explanation of the reason for the restriction.
- The estimated duration of the restriction.
- Contact information for questions or concerns.
Post visible, clearly legible notices at each physical access point to the affected common element. This legislation aims to balance the necessary maintenance of common areas with homeowners' rights to access and enjoy these shared spaces.
|
| HB21-1310 Homeowners' Association Regulation Of Flags And Signs |
September 7th, 2021 |
- Content-Neutral Display Rights: HOAs are prohibited from restricting the display of any noncommercial flags or signs based on their subject matter, message, or content. This broadens previous protections that were limited to specific flags and political signs.
- Reasonable Regulations Permitted: While content-based restrictions are disallowed, HOAs may implement reasonable, content-neutral regulations concerning the number, placement, or size of such displays. For instance, an HOA can set uniform size limits for all signs or designate appropriate areas for flagpoles, provided these rules are applied equally regardless of the sign's message.
- This legislation ensures that residents in common interest communities have the freedom to express themselves through flags and signs, while allowing HOAs to maintain aesthetic and safety standards through equitable, content-neutral rules.
|
| HB21-1229 Home Owners' Associations Governance Funding Record Keeping |
September 7th, 2021 |
- Access to Records: HOAs must maintain and provide access to records such as a list of current fees chargeable upon the sale of a home, financial statements, reserve fund balances, insurance policies, and meeting minutes. Failure to provide access within 30 calendar days of a certified mail request results in a penalty of $50 per day.
- Renewable Energy Installations: HOAs must approve or deny completed applications for renewable energy devices, like solar panels, within 60 days. Aesthetic guidelines cannot reduce the device's efficiency by more than 10% or increase its cost by more than 10%.
- Drought-Tolerant Landscaping: The use of non vegetative turf grass (artificial turf) in backyards cannot be prohibited by HOAs.
- This legislation aims to promote homeowner rights and sustainable practices within HOA-governed communities.
|
| HB21-1117 Local Government Authority Promote Affordable Housing Units |
September 7th, 2021 |
- Clarification of Local Authority: The act clarifies that cities and counties can regulate land use to promote the construction of new affordable housing units.
- Exemption from Rent Control Prohibitions: Land use regulations that restrict rents on newly constructed or redeveloped housing units are exempt from the state's rent control statute, provided they offer property owners or developers options and alternatives to building affordable housing on-site.
- Prerequisites for Exercising Authority: Before implementing such regulations, local governments must demonstrate actions taken to increase housing supply or promote affordable housing, such as:
- Adopting zoning changes to increase housing density.
- Reducing or eliminating utility charges, regulatory fees, or taxes for affordable housing units.
- Providing regulatory relief from land development restrictions.
- Making surplus property available for housing development.
- Guidance from the Department of Local Affairs: The Department is tasked with offering guidance to assist local governments in implementing these provisions.
- This legislation aims to empower local governments to actively facilitate affordable housing development through tailored land use regulations.
|
| HB21-1108 Gender Identity Expression Anti-discrimination |
September 7th, 2021 |
- Definitions Added: Gender Identity: An individual's innate sense of their own gender, which may or may not correspond with the sex assigned at birth. Gender Expression: An individual's external manifestation of their gender, typically demonstrated through appearance, dress, and behavior.
- Expanded Anti-Discrimination Protections: Housing Practices: Forbids discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of housing based on gender identity or gender expression. Public Accommodations: Ensures individuals cannot be denied access to goods and services in public spaces due to their gender identity or gender expression.
- Inclusion in State Programs and Services: The bill integrates gender identity and gender expression into anti-discrimination clauses related to:
- Consumer Credit Transactions: Protects individuals from discrimination in credit transactions.
- This legislation aims to provide comprehensive protections, ensuring that individuals are safeguarded against discrimination based on gender identity and gender expression in various facets of public life not limited to housing.
|
| HB21-1134 Report Resident Rent Payment Information To Credit Agencies |
September 7th, 2021 |
- Program Creation and Administration: Established the Rent Reporting for Credit Pilot Program to help residents build credit histories through the reporting of their rent payments. This pilot program is set to conclude on September 1, 2024, and aims to assist residents in building credit histories by reporting rent payments to consumer reporting agencies.
|
| HB21-1028 Annual Public Report Affordable Housing |
September 7th, 2021 |
- Mandated that the Division of Housing within the Department of Local Affairs prepare an annual public report detailing funding for affordable housing. This legislation aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of funds for affordable housing in Colorado.
|
| HB20-1410 COVID-19-related Housing Assistance |
June 22nd, 2020 |
- Funding Allocation: The act appropriates $350,000 to the Eviction Legal Defense Fund to offer legal assistance to individuals at risk of eviction. It transfers $19,650,000 to the Housing Development Grant Fund, administered by the Division of Housing, to provide rental and mortgage assistance.
- Priority Considerations: Rental assistance prioritizes:
- Homeless families with children enrolled in school.
- Medicaid clients in nursing homes who can transition to in-home services.
- Survivors of domestic violence.
- Low-income households earning at or below 100% of the area median income.
Mortgage assistance focuses on households with incomes at or below 100% of the area median income.
- This legislation aims to mitigate housing instability exacerbated by the pandemic by providing targeted financial and legal support to vulnerable populations.
|
| HB20-1332 Prohibit Housing Discrimination Source Of Income |
January 1st, 2021 |
- Definition of Source of Income: The act defines "source of income" as any lawful and verifiable source of money paid directly, indirectly, or on behalf of a person, including income from lawful professions and government or private assistance programs.
- Prohibited Discriminatory Practices: Refusing to rent, lease, or show housing based on a person's source of income. Discriminating in the terms or conditions of rental agreements due to source of income. Advertising limitations or preferences based on source of income. Falsely representing the availability of housing to discriminate based on source of income. Landlords with three or fewer rental units are exempt from these provisions. Landlords owning five or fewer single-family rental homes and no more than five total rental units are not required to accept federal housing choice vouchers for single-family homes.
- Credit Checks: Landlords are permitted to conduct credit checks on prospective residents, provided they apply this practice uniformly to all applicants.
- This legislation aims to ensure equitable access to housing by preventing discrimination against individuals based on their source of income with regards to housing assistance programs.
|
| HB20-1201 Mobile Home Park Residents Opportunity To Purchase |
June 30th, 2020 |
- Notice Requirements: Park owners intending to sell or change the use of the park must notify all mobile home owners, any homeowners' associations, the municipality or county where the park is located, and the Colorado Division of Housing.
- Opportunity to Purchase: After receiving notice, residents have 90 days to:
- Form a homeowners' association representing at least 51% of the residents.
- Submit an offer to purchase the park.
- Arrange necessary financing.
- Good Faith Negotiations: Park owners are required to negotiate in good faith with the residents' association during this period.
- Exemptions: The act does not apply if the sale or transfer is to family members, co-owners, or through inheritance or eminent domain.
- This legislation aims to empower mobile home park residents by providing them a fair chance to purchase their communities, thereby enhancing housing stability and affordability.
|
| HB20-1196 Mobile Home Park Act Updates |
June 30th, 2020 |
- Extended Cure and Sale Periods: Residents now have 90 days to address certain noncompliance issues and 90 days to sell or relocate their mobile homes, increased from 30 and 60 days respectively.
- Termination Notice Requirements: The act specifies valid reasons for tenancy termination and mandates detailed notices, including a 12-month notice for park land-use changes leading to eviction, up from 6 months.
- Security Deposit Limits: Security deposits are capped at one month's rent, reduced from the previous two months' rent for multiwide units.
- Maintenance Obligations: Park management must maintain and repair utility service lines and provide annual water usage and billing information to homeowners.
- Anti-Retaliation Protections: The act prohibits management from retaliating against homeowners exercising their legal rights, with certain actions presumed retaliatory unless proven otherwise.
- Rule Amendments: Management can only add or amend park rules with homeowner consent or by providing a 60-day written notice.
- Privacy Rights: Management must respect homeowners' privacy and can only enter a mobile home lot for specific reasons, with reasonable notice, except in emergencies.
- This legislation aims to balance the rights and responsibilities of mobile home park residents and management, ensuring fair treatment and clear communication.
|
| HB20-1155 Higher Efficiency New Construction Residence |
September 14th, 2020 |
- Solar Energy Options: Builders must offer buyers the opportunity to include:
- A residential photovoltaic solar generation system or a residential solar thermal system, or both.
- Upgrades of wiring or plumbing to accommodate future installation of such systems.
- A chase or conduit to facilitate future installation of necessary wiring or plumbing for such systems.
- Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure: Builders are required to offer one of the following:
- An electric vehicle charging system.
- Upgrades of wiring to accommodate future installation of an electric vehicle charging system.
- A 208- to 240-volt alternating current plug-in receptacle in an appropriate place accessible to a motor vehicle parking area.
- Efficient Electric Heating Systems: Builders must offer the option to include efficient electric heating systems, such as electric water heaters, electric boilers, or electric furnace or heat-pump systems.
- Information Disclosure: Builders are obligated to provide buyers with pricing, energy efficiency, and utility bill information for each natural gas, electric, or other option available, including information from the federal Energy Star program or similar sources.
- Exemptions: The requirements do not apply to residences where the electrical or heating systems have been substantially installed before the buyer enters into a purchase contract.
- This legislation aims to promote energy efficiency and support the adoption of renewable energy technologies in new residential constructions.
|
| HB20-1048 Race Trait Hairstyle Anti-Discrimination Protect |
September 14th, 2020 |
- Definition Expansion: The act specifies that for anti-discrimination laws related to public education, employment practices, housing, public accommodations, and advertising, the term "race" encompasses traits such as hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles. Examples of protective hairstyles include braids, locs, twists, tight coils or curls, cornrows, Bantu knots, Afros, and headwraps.
- Legislative Intent: The act acknowledges that individuals have historically faced discrimination in schools, workplaces, and other contexts based on hairstyles associated with their race. It aims to prevent such discrimination and provide remedies for those affected.
- Implementation: The act applies to conduct occurring on or after its effective date, September 14, 2020.
- This legislation ensures that characteristics historically associated with race, particularly hair-related traits, are protected under Colorado's anti-discrimination laws.
|
| HB19-1328 Landlord And Resident Duties Regarding Bed Bugs |
January 1st, 2020 |
- Resident Responsibilities: Prompt Notification: Residents must promptly inform their landlord in writing or electronically upon discovering or reasonably suspecting the presence of bed bugs in their dwelling unit.
- Landlord Responsibilities: Inspection Timeline: Within 96 hours of receiving a resident's notification, landlords are required to obtain an inspection of the reported dwelling unit by a qualified inspector. Contiguous Unit Inspection: If bed bugs are confirmed, landlords must also inspect all contiguous units promptly. Treatment Obligation: Landlords are responsible for all costs associated with the inspection and necessary treatment of bed bugs. Treatment must commence within five business days of detection.
- Access and Compliance: Notice for Entry: Landlords must provide residents with at least 48 hours' written or electronic notice before entering a unit for inspection or treatment purposes. Resident Cooperation: Residents are required to comply with reasonable measures to facilitate inspection and treatment, including preparing the unit as instructed. Failure to comply may result in the resident being held liable for the costs of additional treatments arising from noncompliance.
- Leasing and Disclosure: Prohibition on Leasing Infested Units: Landlords are prohibited from renting out units they know or reasonably suspect to be infested with bed bugs. Disclosure Requirements: Upon request, landlords must disclose to prospective residents whether the unit or any contiguous unit has had a bed bug infestation within the past eight months.
- This legislation aims to ensure prompt and effective responses to bed bug infestations, safeguarding the health and safety of residents in Colorado.
|
| HB19-1319 Incentives Developers Facilitate Affordable Housing |
September 1st, 2019 |
- Inventory of State-Owned Land: By October 15, 2019, and annually thereafter, each state agency and institution of higher education must submit to the Capital Development Committee a list of all non-developed real property they own or control. The Division of Housing within the Department of Local Affairs is required to provide a link to this inventory on its website.
- Property Tax Exemption Adjustments: The act modifies the administration of existing property tax exemptions for certain affordable housing developments.
- This legislation aims to identify potential sites for affordable housing projects and streamline tax exemptions to encourage development in this sector.
|
| HB19-1309 Mobile Home Park Act Oversight |
May 23rd, 2019 |
- Local Government Authority: The act grants counties the power to adopt ordinances and resolutions to ensure the safe and equitable operation of mobile home parks within their unincorporated areas.
- Extended Eviction Timelines: The legislation extends the notice period for nonpayment of rent from five to ten days, providing mobile home owners additional time to address payment issues before eviction proceedings commence.
- Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program: The act establishes the "Mobile Home Park Act Dispute Resolution and Enforcement Program," administered by the Division of Housing. This program is responsible for: Registering mobile home parks and collecting associated fees. Maintaining a database of mobile home parks. Investigating complaints and enforcing compliance with the "Mobile Home Park Act."
- This legislation aims to strengthen resident rights and ensure fair practices within mobile home communities in Colorado.
|
| HB19-1170 Residential Residents Health And Safety Act |
August 2nd, 2019 |
- Expanded Definition of Uninhabitable Conditions: The act broadens the definition of uninhabitable premises to include the presence of mold associated with dampness and the absence of functioning appliances that conformed to applicable laws at the time of installation and are maintained in good working order.
- Landlord Responsibilities and Timelines: Landlords must commence remedial action within specific timeframes upon receiving reasonably complete written or electronic notice from residents:
- 24 hours for conditions materially interfering with life, health, or safety.
- 96 hours for uninhabitable conditions, provided the resident grants access for repairs.
- Resident Remedies: Residents are authorized to deduct repair costs from rent if landlords fail to address reported issues within the specified periods, following a structured process that includes obtaining good-faith estimates and hiring qualified professionals.
- Protection Against Retaliation: The act prohibits landlords from retaliating against residents who make good-faith complaints about uninhabitable conditions or organize resident associations. Retaliatory actions include unjustified rent increases, service reductions, or eviction threats.
- This legislation aims to ensure rental properties in Colorado meet health and safety standards, providing residents with clear avenues for addressing habitability concern
|
| HB19-1106 Rental Application Fees |
August 2nd, 2019 |
- Application Fees: Landlords must use the entire rental application fee solely to cover the costs of processing the application, such as conducting background checks. All prospective residents must be charged the same fee amount for the same or similar units. Landlords are required to provide an itemized receipt detailing how the application fee is utilized. Any unused portion of the fee must be refunded to the applicant within 20 days.
- Screening Criteria: Prior to accepting an application or fee, landlords must disclose in writing their resident selection criteria and reasons that may lead to application denial. When evaluating rental or credit history, landlords can only consider information from the past seven years. For criminal history, landlords are limited to considering convictions within the past five years, except for specific serious offenses such as methamphetamine-related crimes, sex offenses requiring registration, homicide, or stalking.
- Denial Notifications: If an application is denied, landlords must provide a written notice stating the specific reasons for the denial.
- Penalties: Landlords who violate these provisions may be liable for triple the amount of the application fee, plus court costs. Landlords have a seven-day period to correct any violations after receiving notice to avoid liability.
- This legislation aims to ensure transparency and fairness in the rental application process for prospective residents in Colorado.
|
| HB18-1342 Allow Pre-Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act Homeowners' Association Members to Veto Homeowners' Association Budget |
July 1st, 2018 |
- Budget Veto Authority: Unit owners in these pre-CCIOA communities can veto a budget proposed by the executive board if a majority votes against it during a properly noticed meeting. If vetoed, the most recently approved budget remains in effect until a new budget is proposed and not vetoed.
- Exemptions: This requirement does not apply to communities whose declarations set a maximum assessment amount or limit the annual budget increase to a specific amount, provided the proposed budget does not exceed these limits.
- This legislation aims to ensure that homeowners in older common interest communities have a say in financial decisions affecting their community
|
| HB17-1035 Sex Assault And Stalking Victims May Break Leases |
August 9th, 2017 |
- Conditions for Lease Termination: Residents must notify their landlord in writing of their victim status. Provide evidence such as a police report from the past 60 days, a valid protection order, or a statement from a medical professional or application assistant confirming the victimization. Demonstrate that vacating the premises is due to fear of imminent danger to themselves or their children.
- Financial Obligations: Residents are responsible for one month's rent after vacating, payable within 90 days. Landlords are not required to refund the security deposit until this payment is made.
- Confidentiality Requirements: Landlords must keep the resident's victim status and new address confidential, disclosing such information only with the resident's consent or as required by law.
- Habitability Protections: The act extends protections to victims of unlawful sexual behavior and stalking, ensuring that conditions resulting from these crimes do not constitute resident misconduct under the warranty of habitability.
- This legislation aims to provide victims with the means to leave unsafe living situations without undue financial or legal repercussions.
|
| HB16-1149 Remove Budget Reporting Exemption HOAs Predate Act |
July 1st, 2018 |
- Budget Reporting Compliance: Effective July 1, 2018, the executive boards of these pre-CCIOA communities must: Distribute a summary of any proposed budget to all unit owners within 90 days of adoption. Schedule a meeting for unit owners to discuss the proposed budget, with notice provided as specified in the community's bylaws.
- Budget Approval Process: Unless the community's declaration states otherwise, the proposed budget is considered approved by default unless a majority of unit owners vote to veto it during the noticed meeting. If vetoed, the most recently approved budget remains in effect until a new budget is proposed and not vetoed.
- Exemptions: Communities with declarations that set a maximum assessment amount or limit annual budget increases to a specific figure are exempt from these requirements, provided the proposed budget does not exceed these limits.
- This legislation aims to enhance transparency and unit owner involvement in the financial decisions of older common interest communities.
|
| HB16-1141 Radon Exposure In Buildings |
August 10th, 2016 |
- Radon Education and Awareness Program: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is tasked with developing a statewide program to educate the public, real estate brokers, and builders about radon gas, including its health risks, testing methods, and mitigation techniques.
- Financial Assistance for Radon Mitigation: Effective January 1, 2017, CDPHE must establish a program to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals for radon mitigation in their homes. The State Board of Health is responsible for setting eligibility requirements for this assistance.
- Extension of Uranium Mill Tailings Program Fund: The act extends the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Program Fund by ten years, from 2017 to 2027. This fund supports programs that provide information to the public on uranium mill tailings contamination in residential and commercial buildings.
- Abolition of Oversight Committee: The legislation abolishes the Uranium Mill Tailings Remedial Action Oversight Committee, streamlining oversight responsibilities.
- This legislation aims to reduce exposure to hazardous materials and promote public health through education, financial support, and programmatic adjustments.
- SB23 – 206 - Disclose Radon Information Residential Property was largely a result of this bill.
|
| SB26-054 Security Deposits & Post-Closing Occupancy Agreements |
January 1st, 2027 |
- Security Deposit Exception: Creates an exception to Colorado’s existing two-month security deposit cap for post-closing occupancy agreements which take place when a home is being sold and the seller does a short term lease to remain in the home for a short time after the sale.
- Applicability: Applies when a landlord and resident execute a post-closing occupancy agreement after a real estate transaction.
- Overall Impact: Allows larger security deposits in limited situations involving post-closing occupancy agreements that occur after the sale of a property.
|
| SB25-020 Resident and Landlord Law Enforcement |
January 1st, 2026 |
- Enforcement Authority: The AG and Department of Law may independently initiate civil and criminal actions to enforce key resident-landlord protections related to habitability, subsidy documentation, bed bug remediation, and protections for victims of abuse. Local governments also gain this authority. Allows the AG and municipalities to subpoena documents, conduct hearings, and seek remedies including restitution, civil penalties, and injunctive relief under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act.
- Receivership for Unsafe Properties: Cities, counties, or the AG can petition courts to appoint a receiver to manage multifamily buildings demonstrating a “pattern of neglect” (e.g., lack of heat, ventilation, locks, or safety hazards). The receiver manages the property and repairs issues, while the original owner may petition to terminate the receivership after 90 days.
|
| SB24-134 Operation of Home-Based Businesses |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Prohibition of HOA Restrictions: HOAs are barred from outright banning home-based businesses operated by unit owners or residents with the owner's permission.
- Compliance with HOA Regulations: While HOAs cannot prohibit these businesses, they can enforce reasonable rules related to architectural control, parking, landscaping, noise, and nuisances to ensure the community's character and livability are maintained.
- Adherence to Local Ordinances: Home-based businesses must comply with applicable municipal and county noise and nuisance ordinances or resolutions.
- Definition of Home-Based Business: The act defines a home-based business as one where the main office is located at, or the business operations primarily occur at, a unit within the community.
- This legislation aims to balance the rights of residents to operate businesses from their homes with the interests of HOAs in maintaining community standards.
|
| SB24-094 Safe Housing for Residential Residents |
May 3rd, 2024 |
- Definition of Uninhabitable Conditions: The bill expands the definition of uninhabitable conditions to include issues such as mold associated with dampness, lack of functioning appliances (including air conditioning units), inadequate waterproofing, plumbing problems, absence of running hot or cold water, insufficient heating, and electrical lighting deficiencies. These conditions are recognized as materially affecting residents' health or safety.
- Landlord Response Requirements: Upon receiving notice from a resident about an uninhabitable condition, landlords are mandated to communicate with the resident and commence remedial action within specified timeframes. A rebuttable presumption arises that the landlord has failed to fulfill their duty if the condition persists for 7 or 14 days after notice, depending on the severity of the issue.
- Temporary Housing Provisions: In certain circumstances, landlords are required to provide residents with a comparable dwelling unit if an uninhabitable condition materially interferes with the resident's life, health, or safety. This ensures residents have access to safe housing while repairs are being made.
- Anti-Retaliation Measures: The bill explicitly prohibits landlords from retaliating against residents who report uninhabitable conditions, request repairs, or exercise their rights under the warranty of habitability. Protected resident actions include organizing or participating in resident associations and other lawful concerted activities.
- Legal Remedies and Court Procedures: Residents are authorized to raise a breach of the warranty of habitability as an affirmative defense against a landlord's action for possession or collection. The bill establishes legal standards and procedures for both residents' claims and landlords' defenses, including the calculation of actual and punitive damages in breach cases.
- This legislation aims to ensure safe and healthy housing for residents by holding landlords accountable for maintaining habitable living conditions and providing clear legal avenues for residents to seek remedies when those standards are not met.
|
| SB24-021 Exempt Small Communities from HOA Requirements |
August 7th, 2024 |
- Expanded Exemptions: The bill broadens the criteria under which small cooperatives and planned communities are exempt from most CCIOA requirements. Specifically, it exempts: Nonresidential Units or Small Communities: Cooperatives or planned communities created on or after July 1, 1992, that either contain only units restricted to nonresidential use or have no more than 20 units and are not subject to any development rights. Low Annual Common Expenses: Planned communities that specify in their declarations that the annual average common expense liability of each unit restricted to residential purposes does not exceed $400, adjusted annually since July 1, 1999, for changes in the consumer price index (CPI).
- Election to Opt-In: Cooperatives or planned communities that qualify for these exemptions may choose to be subject to the entire CCIOA by adopting an amendment to their declaration in accordance with section 38-33.3-217, indicating their election to be governed by the full act.
- Notification Requirement: The Homeowners' Association (HOA) Information Officer within the Department of Regulatory Agencies is tasked with identifying cooperatives and planned communities affected by this act. The officer must provide notice to these entities about the changes and inform them of their option to opt out of the exemption.
- This legislation aims to reduce regulatory burdens on small or low-expense cooperatives and planned communities, allowing them greater flexibility in their governance.
|
| SB23-206 Disclose Radon Information Residential Property |
August 7th, 2023 |
- Mandatory Radon Disclosure in Property Sales: Sellers must include a specific warning statement in bold-faced type within the sales contract, informing buyers about the dangers of radon, the importance of testing, and the availability of mitigation measures. Additionally, sellers are required to disclose any known information regarding the property's radon levels, including past tests, reports, and mitigation efforts.
- Obligations for Landlords: Before finalizing a lease agreement, landlords must provide prospective residents with a written disclosure that includes a warning about radon risks, any known radon test results, and details of any mitigation systems installed. Landlords are also required to supply the latest brochure from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offering advice about radon in real estate transactions.
- Resident Rights and Remedies: If a landlord fails to provide the required disclosures or does not mitigate elevated radon levels (defined as 4 picocuries per liter or higher) within 180 days of notification, residents have the right to void the lease. Notably, after January 1, 2026, this right applies only to leases longer than one year.
- Rulemaking and Licensing: The Colorado Real Estate Commission is tasked with promulgating rules to ensure these radon warnings and disclosures are incorporated into real estate transactions involving brokers. While radon professionals must be licensed in Colorado, residents are permitted to test their rented properties without obtaining a license.
- This legislation aims to increase awareness of radon—a colorless, odorless, and tasteless radioactive gas that is the second leading cause of lung cancer—by ensuring that buyers and residents are informed about potential radon exposure in residential properties.
|
| SB23-184 Protections For Residential Residents |
August 7th, 2023 |
- Limitations on Income and Credit Evaluations: Landlords are prohibited from requiring prospective residents to have an annual income exceeding 200% of the annual rent. Additionally, landlords cannot consider or inquire about a prospective resident's income or credit history beyond verifying that their income meets the specified threshold.
- Security Deposit Cap: The bill restricts landlords from demanding security deposits exceeding the equivalent of two months' rent.
- Affirmative Defense in Eviction Proceedings: Residents can use a landlord's violation of anti-discriminatory housing laws as an affirmative defense in eviction cases, offering them greater legal protection.
- These provisions aim to promote fair housing practices and provide residents with stronger safeguards against discriminatory or excessive requirements.
|
| SB23-148 Illegal Drug Laboratory Property And Certification |
August 7th, 2023 |
- Public Database Creation: The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is mandated to establish and maintain an online public database listing residential properties identified as illegal methamphetamine drug laboratories. Properties are removed from this database five years after receiving proper decontamination certification.
- Mandatory Notifications: Upon discovering an illegal methamphetamine laboratory on residential property, law enforcement agencies and certified industrial hygienists must notify the CDPHE, providing details such as the property's address and the owner's name.
- Warranty of Habitability Enhancement: The bill expands the definition of "uninhabitable residential premises" to include properties formerly used as illegal methamphetamine laboratories that have not been properly remediated. This allows residents to void leases if the property is deemed uninhabitable due to such contamination.
- Seller Disclosure Requirements: Sellers who are aware that a property was used as an illegal methamphetamine laboratory and have completed remediation according to state standards, obtaining the necessary certificates of compliance, are not required to disclose the property's past use to buyers. Five years after remediation, the property is removed from the public database.
- Appropriation: To implement these measures, the act appropriates $74,516 from the general fund to the CDPHE.
- This legislation aims to enhance public health and safety by ensuring proper remediation of properties used as methamphetamine laboratories and providing transparency to potential buyers and residents
|
| SB22-059 Home Owners' Association Voting Proxy Limitations |
August 10th, 2022 |
- Enacted in Colorado in 2022, clarifies the duration of proxy voting rights within homeowners' associations (HOAs). Specifically, the bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes Section 38-33.3-310 to state that a proxy terminates eleven months after its date, unless the proxy itself indicates an earlier termination date.
- This legislation ensures that proxy voting rights are time-bound, promoting current representation in HOA decision-making processes.
|
| SB21-173 Rights In Residential Lease Agreements |
October 1, 2021 |
- Limitations on Late Fees: Landlords cannot charge a late fee unless the rent payment is at least seven calendar days overdue. Late fees are capped at the greater of $50 or 5% of the past due rent amount. Late fees must be disclosed in the rental agreement, and landlords cannot initiate eviction solely for unpaid late fees.
- Prohibited Lease Clauses: Rental agreements cannot include one-way fee-shifting clauses that award attorney fees and court costs only to one party. Unreasonable liquidated damage clauses related to rental violations or eviction actions are banned.
- Eviction Proceedings: Residents can pay the full amount due to the landlord at any time until a court has ordered a writ of restitution. The bond requirement for asserting a breach of the warranty of habitability as an affirmative defense is eliminated. Courts are directed to set trial dates no sooner than seven and no more than ten days after the resident files an answer, with provisions for extensions if justified.
- Resident Remedies and Penalties for Landlords: Landlords violating these provisions must pay a $50 penalty to the resident for each violation and have seven days to cure the violation upon notice. If the landlord fails to cure the violation, residents may seek remedies including compensatory damages, additional penalties between $150 and $1,000 per violation, and attorney fees.
|
| SB20-126 Allow Home Child Care In Homeowners' Association Community |
September 14th, 2020 |
- Operation Rights: Homeowners are allowed to operate licensed family child care homes, notwithstanding any contrary provisions in the community's governing documents.
- Community Regulations: While HOAs cannot prohibit such operations, they may enforce regulations related to architectural control, parking, landscaping, noise, and similar matters. However, they must make reasonable accommodations for fencing requirements associated with child care homes.
- Insurance Requirements: HOAs can require operators of family child care homes to carry liability insurance at reasonable levels determined by the association's executive board. The association must be named as an additional insured on this policy.
- Exemptions: The act does not apply to communities that qualify as housing for older persons under federal law.
- This legislation aims to balance the rights of homeowners to operate child care businesses with the interests of HOAs in maintaining community standards.
|
| SB20-224 Landlord Prohibitions Resident Citizenship Status |
January 1st, 2021 |
- Prohibited Actions: Landlords cannot request, disclose, or threaten to disclose a resident’s immigration status. Evicting or denying housing based solely on immigration or citizenship status is prohibited. Harassment or intimidation related to a resident’s status is not allowed.
- Permitted Actions: Landlords can follow legal requirements or verify financial qualifications, as long as all applicants are treated equally.
- Resident Remedies: Residents can file civil actions if their rights under this act are violated, with protections against status inquiries during litigation.
- This law ensures fair housing practices regardless of immigration or citizenship status.
|
| SB18-010 Residential Lease Copy And Rent Receipt |
August 8th, 2018 |
- Provision of Rental Agreements: Landlords are required to supply residents with a copy of any written rental agreement signed by both parties no later than seven days after the resident has signed the agreement. This copy can be provided electronically unless the resident requests a paper copy, in which case the landlord must comply.
- Receipts for Payments: For in-person payments made with cash or money orders, landlords must provide residents with a contemporaneous receipt indicating the amount paid and the date of payment. For payments not made in person with cash or money orders, landlords are obligated to provide a receipt upon the resident's request within seven days, unless an existing procedure already provides the resident with a record of the payment. Receipts can be delivered electronically unless the resident requests a paper copy.
- This legislation aims to ensure that residents have clear and timely documentation of their rental agreements and payment records, thereby promoting accountability and reducing potential disputes in landlord-resident relationships.
|
| SB17-245 Tenancies One Month To One Year Notice |
August 9th, 2017 |
- Extended Termination Notice: For tenancies lasting one month or longer but less than six months without a written agreement, either party must provide at least 21 days' written notice to terminate the tenancy.
- Rent Increase Notification: Landlords intending to increase rent in these tenancies must also give residents a minimum of 21 days' notice before implementing the change.
- This legislation aims to ensure both landlords and residents have adequate time to prepare for changes in their rental arrangements.
|
