Landlord and Tenant Laws in Colorado You Didn’t Know About
The relationships between landlords and tenants don’t have to be contentious. With a little awareness of of the law, maintaining harmony and protecting the rights of both parties can be easy! While many people are familiar with common key laws such as rent deadlines and security deposits, Colorado has some landlord and tenant laws you (likely) didn’t know about. Some of the lesser-known landlord and tenant laws in the state of Colorado might surprise you:
Warranty of Habitability
Under the “warranty of habitability” law, landlords in Colorado are required to provide tenants with a safe and habitable living environment. This means that landlords must ensure that the property meets basic health and safety standards, such as functional plumbing, heating, and electrical systems, as well as protection from environmental hazards.
Right to Repair and Deduct
Colorado says tenants have the right to handle necessary repairs themselves if their landlord fails to address them promptly. This is known as the “Right to Repair and Deduct.” However, there are certain conditions that must be met. The repair costs should be reasonable and not exceed one month’s rent. Tenants must give prior notice to their landlord and provide them with an opportunity to make the repairs before taking any action. Sometimes it’s more or less complicated, but usually if these conditions are satisfied, tenants can deduct the cost of the repairs from their rent payments.
Retaliation Protection
To encourage tenants to assert their rights without fear of retaliation, Colorado provides protection against landlord retaliation. If a tenant exercises a legal right, such as reporting code violations or filing a complaint with the authorities, landlords are prohibited from retaliatory actions such as eviction, rent increases, etc. Documenting everything is very important! Please note, this is not a substitute for proper legal advice.
Service Animal Accommodation
Colorado law acknowledges the importance for service animals and assistance animals in supporting individuals with disabilities. Landlords have a legal obligation to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities. Even if a rental property has a “no pets” policy, landlords cannot discriminate against tenants because emotional support animals (ESAs) are not pets. To prove these animals are not pets, tenants to provide appropriate documentation and engage in open communication with their landlords to ensure compliance with the law. This does not mean landlords can demand that your animal meet their criteria for service animals or that they can ask you questions about your disability. It’s important to note though that landlords can request a security deposit in case a service animal causes damage to the property. 
“Quiet Enjoyment”
Colorado law guarantees tenants the right to “quiet enjoyment” of their rental property. This means that landlords must respect tenants’ privacy and refrain from interfering with their peaceful enjoyment of the premises. Landlords should provide reasonable notice (usually 24 hours) before entering the rental unit, except in emergency situations.
Understanding these laws will help provide a smooth rental experience in any state. Start by familiarizing yourself with Colorado landlord/tenant laws and then trying to partner with a property manager who is happy to answer your questions. It is always recommended that you consult a legal professional or local housing authorities to ensure you have the best advice regarding Colorado law.
