YIMBY Fort Collins

This page is intended to give Fort Collins renters the information they need to stand up for their right to live peacefully without fear of discrimination or retaliation from a landlord.

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***This is not legal advice. We are not lawyers. See the section below on free/reduced legal aid***

Review of Colorado's New Renter Protection Laws:

• EVICTIONS AND NON-RENEWALS: HB23-1171 and HB24-1098 require landlords to provide a valid reason to evict or not renew a contract with a tenant.
• HABITABLE HOMES: SB24-094 spelled out that landlords make timely repairs to maintain habitability of rental units and may be required to provide temporary housing. Renters can withhold rent in certain circumstances.
• SECURITY DEPOSITS: HB25-1249 clarified that “normal wear and tear” isn't a reason for landlords to withhold a security deposit and requires a written statement be provided to a renter detailing any deductions from tenant’s security deposit. Security deposits are capped at one month’s rent. Installment plans for payment of deposit must be allowed. Regulates preexisting damages regulations and empowered tenants to request walk-through inspections to document damages.
• DISCRIMINATION BASED ON DISABILITIES: HB24-1318 shields tenants with disabilities from expenses of making or undoing necessary modifications.
• VICTIMS OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: HB25-1168 codified protections for victims of gender-based violence.
• DISCRIMINATION BASED ON IMMIGRATION STATUS: SB20-224 shields renters from landlords inquiring about immigration/citizenship status.
• STRENGTHENING HAND OF VICTIMS: HB25-1239 empowers victims of discrimination to recover more money in damages and extends the statute of limitations for discrimination charges.
• FEDERALLY SUBSIDIZED TENANTS: HB25-1249 codified a slate of protections for tenants who qualify for housing subsidies: Subsidies must be accepted on equal footing with any other income; rent must be reduced or refunded appropriately if warrant of habitability is violated; late fees not to exceed $20; federal notice rules must be followed for evictions; landlords must cooperate in good faith with housing authorities; negligence in responding to tenant requests may be deemed unfair housing practices; established minimum dollar amount damages for civil suits claiming discrimination.