How to Protect Yourself as a Landlord in Colorado

As a landlord, it’s good to know the law wherever your rentals are in Colorado. Contacting an experienced Landlord-Tenant Attorney in your area is a good thing to consider. And you may be able to find one reasonably online. However, before you do, a little homework at several different sources should have you better prepared to protect your real estate rentals. Several online sources offer quick help on lists of things to do.

Nolo offers some legal advice which we’ll briefly include within some of the points below, but you can find detail at the sourced footnote.

A Dozen quick points to consider

Comply With Anti-Discrimination Laws

Before you advertise your real estate for rent, be sure you understand fair housing laws and what you can or cannot say.

Screening Process

Another way to protect your rental property is to find a good application online in Colorado for your tenants. This will help you with the screening process. Know some of the questions to include on your application. How to check Credit reports is footnoted.

Colorado State Security Deposits

As an additional protection measure, familiarize yourself with Colorado state rules to avoid disputes between you and your tenants. Protecting your rental(s) is more likely with an ounce of prevention.

Using a Landlord/Tenant Checklist in Colorado

When first renting your Colorado property, take your tenant through a checklist and have them sign it. Do the same when the tenant leaves. Itemize any problems on your checklist in writing and provide a copy to them.

Follow Colorado State and Local Rental Rules

All landlords want renters to pay on time. Protecting our real estate should be as hassle-free as possible. Knowing eviction rules and procedures in Colorado for those who do not comply will help.  

Do you plan to do your own property management?

You can pay for property management software as well as hire an attorney. But with a little work, you can likely do the same. Several good companies provide free property management software for landlords in Colorado. If you aren’t using the Property Manager in Durango, Co, please consider software to protect your rental properties.

Landlords must provide a Livable Rentals in Colorado

Landlords have a legal responsibility to keep their real estate livable, including repairs. A legal Guide by Nolo advises on the legalities of how to protect yourself.

Preparing a Legal Rental Agreement for your Colorado Properties

Crucial details of what should be included in writing your lease for your real estate can be found in the footnote.It is important to know the laws in Colorado along with all federal and local landlord-tenant rules.

Disclose Lead-Based Paint Hazards

All landlords or owners of real estate in Colorado must disclose any of these paint hazards or they could face stiff penalties.

Retaliation against a tenant exercising their legal rights

That would include raising rent or eviction when they complain about unsafe conditions. Keep a good paper trail — always document how you handle repairs.

Know Colorado’s Procedures for Terminating a Tenancy or Evicting a Tenant

Colorado State laws will spell out when and how a landlord may terminate a renter. Make sure you know what they are so that you don’t experience delays. Avoiding nightmare tenants is a good way to protect your property.

Legal Resources Available to Landlords

There are many articles you can find on the internet. Nolo provides a lot, sourced in footnotes below. You can look at the pertinent government agencies in Colorado for any of your questions regarding your real estate.

Knowing Renter’s rights and expectations are also helpful as you navigate renting and protecting your real estate. Additional information can be found on the website of your state attorney general’s office or consumer protection agency.

Make your list of additional things that come to mind

Do I want to do short-term or vacation rentals? If so, Landlords can learn online about how to become a host of AirBnb, Vrbo, or other online rental programs. Start by checking your HOA and City Guidelines. If you go the route of vacation rental, will you do the cleaning, or will you hire a property management company? Include the cost. Pencil out the potential income either way. Maybe you prefer the simplicity of a long-term commitment from a local renter in Colorado?

Footnotes:

1. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/top-9-landlord-legal-responsibilities-colorado.html
2. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/how-landlords-can-check-tenant-s-credit-report.html
3. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/top-9-landlord-legal-responsibilities-colorado.html
4. https://www.legalshield.com/renters?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=G_LS-US_Personal_Search_PRD_Landlord-Tenant_AGN-AOL-Landlord-Tenant&utm_term=%2Btenant%20%2Blawyer&gclid=CjwKCAjwr56IBhAvEiwA1fuqGuK8utEjb6FroWzlh06NfUQGGckinC891FXoiAmxyVm8j0xXmtmVFRoCmHYQAvD_BwE
5. https://www.justanswer.com/sip/landlord?r=ppc|ga|27|Law-Real-Estate-Search-SQR-Experiment||&JPKW=legal%20advice%20landlord%20laws&JPDC=S&JPST=&JPAD=495972612422&JPMT=b&JPNW=g&JPAF=txt&JPRC=1&JPCD=&JPOP=&cmpid=12235131516&agid=118064650700&fiid=&tgtid=kwd-18428687883&ntw=g&dvc=c&gclid=CjwKCAjwr56IBhAvEiwA1fuqGknNvrW6IDA6Mn7VzfTk5CWgZ7UzWYgDmmcICQn-3vvlQav8LEr-sxoCfvcQAvD_BwE
6. https://www.airbnb.com/host/homes?
7. https://www.vrbo.com/en-us/list?icid=IL___O_Text___top_nav_link_hp
8. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/colorado-termination-nonpayment-rent-other-rent-rules.html
9. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/colorado-security-deposits-36200.html
10. https://www.nolo.com/products/landlord-tenant-checklist-pr023.html
11. https://www.nolo.com/products/every-landlords-legal-guide-elli.html
12. https://www.nolo.com/products/leases
13. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/lead-disclosures-rental-property-faq-29138.html
14. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/colorado-state-laws-prohibiting-landlord-retaliation.html 
15. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/state-laws-unconditional-quit-terminations.html
16. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/state-laws-termination-violation-lease.html
17. http://portal.hud.gov/hudportal/HUD?src=
18. https://www.avail.co/landlords/online-rental-applications
19. https://www.avail.co/education/guides/fair-housing-laws
20. https://www.avail.co/education/guides/complete-guide-to-tenant-screening/how-to-review-rental-applications
21. https://www.avail.co/education/articles/best-free-property-management-software-for-landlords
22. https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/state-guides-tenant-rights-landlord-tenant-law.html