Rental Rights in Colorado
Landlord-tenant laws in Colorado define the responsibilities of landlords and tenants as well as identity the rights of both parties. Tenants' rights provide some recourse for tenants who are the victim of unscrupulous rental practices. The law allows tenants whose rights have been violated to sue for damages in civil court.
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Fair and Equal Treatment
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According to the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, as a tenant you have the right to be treated fairly and equally by a landlord in all matters concerning the rental of your property and how lease terms are carried out. It is illegal for a landlord to discriminate against you on the basis of age, race, skin color, gender, marital status, or disability. Landlords who do discriminate against tenants in these ways may leave themselves open to civil suit.
Safe Living Environment
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Landlords in Colorado are required to maintain rental properties in such a way as to foster safe and healthy living environments for tenants. Tenants, likewise, have the right to request that landlords make repairs to rental properties to maintain the safety of the dwellings. Landlord who fail to make repairs to rental properties may be ruled liable for any injuries or costs incurred by tenants as a result. An exception to this rule occurs when damage to a rental property is the result of tenant negligence. In such cases it is the tenant's responsibility to make repairs.
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Illegal Entry by Landlord
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Tenants in Colorado and in many other states around the country are entitled to a peaceful living environment. To that end, a tenant has the right to prior notice each time the landlord intends to enter the property. A landlord who enters a rental property without notifying a tenant may be considered trespassing under Colorado law. An exception to this rule occurs during emergencies such as a fire or a natural disaster like a tornado.
Return of Security Deposit
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Security deposits are the property of the tenants, who have the right to get it back when their tenancy concludes. Landlords may use a tenant's security deposit to make repairs to a rental property that fall outside normal wear and tear. It is illegal to use a tenant's security deposit to pay for normal wear and tear, such as wall painting or carpet cleaning. Once a tenant has moved out, a landlord has 30 days to return the balance of a security deposit.
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