What are the basic requirements under the Warrant of Habitability?
Landlord Duties:
Landlords have to make sure their rental properties have certain things in good working order, such as plumbing and gas, hot and cold water, heating, lights, and locks.
Landlords must provide basic utilities, including heat, hot water, and electricity.
Landlords must maintain the property in a reasonable and safe condition.
Landlords must give tenants adequate notice before entering the rental unit.
Appliances should work, and there shouldn't be any mold that could hurt the tenant's health.
Tenant Rights:
Tenants have the right to a safe and habitable dwelling.
Tenants have the right to withhold rent if the landlord fails to make necessary repairs.
Tenants have the right to take legal action against landlords who violate their rights.
Tenants have the right to privacy.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising their rights, such as filing a complaint with the authorities or organizing a tenants' association.
Landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or disability.
Leases cannot contain clauses that only award attorney fees to the landlord.
Tenants can recover damages if they are illegally locked out or wrongfully evicted by their landlord.
Landlords can only raise rent once per year, and they must give written notice to tenants 60 days before doing so.
Late fees cannot be charged until payment is at least seven days late, and cannot be more than $50 per month or 5% of the monthly rent.
Other Helpful Information:
This is a summary of the Colorado laws regarding tenant rights, which can help you if you are renting a home or apartment.
The Denver Department of Housing Stability offers help to residents who are struggling to pay rent or utilities.
Free legal services are available to low-income individuals facing eviction.
Colorado Housing Connects provides answers to housing-related questions.
It's important to note that this is a summary and not a comprehensive list of tenant rights in Colorado. For more detailed information, it's recommended to consult with a local housing agency or an attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law.
