[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#B7410E” background_image=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CLS_ARTWORK_8.png” background_position=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”wave” background_mask_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_tablet=”on” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” header_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Unsafe Housing Conditions” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][dmpro_breadcrumbs bc_custom_home=”on” bc_home_text=”Home” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|||5px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dmpro_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Warranty of Habitability” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The warranty of habitability is a Colorado law that requires that nearly every rental unit in the state meet minimum safety and health standards. In most cases, if you rent your home, you are legally guaranteed a safe and healthy place to live. This is true whether you have a written lease or not. Your landlord cannot try to get around these requirements by trying to get you to waive them or agree to something different.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What are the basic requirements under the Warrant of Habitability?” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Landlords are required by law to make sure that their properties don\u2019t endanger your life, health or safety.<\/p>\n
Additionally, before your landlord rents out a house or apartment, it must have:<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Keep in mind that you also have some responsibilities in keeping your housing safe and sanitary. If you\u2019re an irresponsible tenant, your landlord might try to use your actions as grounds to evict you, or try to make you pay for any damage you cause.<\/p>\n
You\u2019re required to:<\/p>\n
Example: If there\u2019s mold in your bathroom, you\u2019re obligated run the bathroom exhaust fan when you take a shower or bath, wipe down the shower regularly, and stop using any humidifiers. If that doesn\u2019t fix it, contact your landlord in writing as soon as possible.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”15px||15px||true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”off|phone” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/warranty-of-habitability.png” alt=”An image of a person wiping the counter with a small apartment building displayed next the the image.” title_text=”Warranty Of Habitability” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Unsafe Housing Conditions FAQs” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”What should I do if my landlord is failing to maintain or repair my residence?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Your landlord isn\u2019t legally required to make repairs until someone tells them about the problem in writing. This means someone has to give them written notice (including text, email, letter, or any other written message) before they have to start fixing the problem.<\/p>\n
A variety of people can tell the landlord about\u00a0the problem, including:<\/p>\n
All leases signed after January 1, 2025 are required to tell you how you should contact your landlord about habitability problems.<\/p>\n
Be sure to keep a copy of whatever you write so that you have proof of the communication. A sample notice letter is available here.<\/p>\n
Your lease might tell you how you are supposed to deliver notices. This might include:<\/p>\n
If your lease does not tell you how to deliver a notice, you can do so by mail or by whatever written method you have used to communicate with your landlord in the past.<\/p>\n
No matter which way you deliver the notice, it is essential that you keep records that the notice was delivered. If you send a letter, you should send it registered or certified mail and keep copies of the delivery. If you use a web portal you can take screenshots of what you fill out and keep a record that the complaint was submitted. If you submit the complaint through a web portal, it is often a good idea to send another notice by mail just to make
sure you are fulfilling your duties under the law.<\/p>\n
Keep a copy of all notices, communication with your landlord, estimates and proof that notices were sent and received.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”How soon does my landlord need to respond?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Important: Do not stop paying rent while you are waiting for the landlord to make repairs. If you do, your landlord can evict you.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”What if my landlord fails to fix the repair issues?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]You have several options, including:<\/p>\n 1. End your lease and move out<\/strong> If the landlord does<\/strong> make the repair within 10 days, you can\u2019t end your lease due to the repair issue.<\/p>\n If they do not<\/strong> fix the problem, you can move out on the date given in your notice.<\/p>\n Once you say you are going to end your lease and move out, you are stuck with that decision unless you and your landlord agree in writing to staying instead. If you do not move out as you said and the landlord does not agree to you continuing to stay, the landlord can evict you. Note: This can be very risky. If your landlord sues you later for breaking your lease, you could be found to owe them rent if you missed a step or did this incorrectly.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 2. Contact the Health Department and\/or your local government agency that enforces building codes.<\/strong> 3. Sue your landlord.<\/strong> If you only want to sue for money, you can sue the landlord in Small Claims Court for the damages they caused you by not making these repairs. For example, if your property was damaged or you had to go to a doctor, you could sue for those expenses. It is very important to have proof showing you were harmed, and that it was caused by the landlord\u2019s failure to make repairs when going to court seeking money.<\/p>\n 4. You can deduct rent for repairs<\/strong> 5. Use the landlord\u2019s failure to repair as a defense in an eviction case brought against you by the landlord<\/strong> Retaliation is when your landlord punishes you for doing something that\u2019s protected by the law, such as complaining about something in your apartment that needs to be fixed.<\/p>\n To be illegal, retaliation requires two things: first, that you engage in a protected activity, and second, that your landlord react in a way that violates your rights.<\/p>\n Protected Activities (things you do to try to get the problem fixed) include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Prohibited Retaliatory Action (actions a landlord might take that are illegal if you did something on the above list) includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Tenant Rights in ColoradoAfter you give your landlord notice, they have to start addressing the needed repairs within a specific amount of time:<\/span><\/h5>\n
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\nBy this point, you should already have contacted your landlord in writing to tell them about the
\nproblem. If the landlord hasn\u2019t responded by the time they were required to (either 24 or 72 hours), or they haven\u2019t fixed the problem within the required timeframe (either 7 or 14 days), contact the landlord again in writing. Your text\/email\/letter should include the following:<\/p>\n\n
\nYou also have the option to end the lease if there\u2019s an issue that your landlord addressed once, but which came back a second time within 6 months after it was initially resolved (aka a recurring condition). In that case, you can contact your landlord in writing and let them know the problem has come back, and that you plan on moving out unless they fix it. You must contact them within 30 days of the issue returning. You must also give the landlord at least 10 days to make the repair. If
\nyou\u2019re satisfied with the repair, you and your landlord can agree to rescind the decision to move out\u2014but if the landlord doesn\u2019t agree to let you stay, they can evict you.<\/p>\n
\nIf the repair issue makes your rented space dangerous to your health or the health of your family, you can call your local health department. If the issue involves problems with heating, plumbing or electrical wiring, you may call your local government agency that enforces building codes. Tell them what your problem is and ask them to inspect the building. They will send an inspector to inspect the building. If conditions violate the health or building codes, they will notify the landlord to make the needed repairs. The landlord will have to make the repairs or pay a fine. However, if the conditions are very bad, the inspector may condemn the property. In that case, you would have to move.<\/p>\n
\nYou can file a lawsuit in County or District Court asking for (a) money damages, and (b) an order for your landlord to make repairs (this is also called injunctive relief).<\/p>\n
\nThe law provides a very specific way for tenants to deduct the cost of repairs from their rent and
\npaying to have that done by a professional. You cannot deduct the rent and make the repairs
\nyourself. The process for doing this can be difficult and there are significant penalties for doing it incorrectly. If you want to try this, we recommend speaking with an attorney first.<\/p>\n
\nIf your landlord tries to evict you because of the damage or lack of repair issues, or because you did not pay rent while there were habitability problems, you can defend against the eviction by raising the Warranty of Habitability issues as a defense.[\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What if my landlord retaliates?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
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Agencies (DORA))<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
you warned them you\u2019ll fix it yourself if they don\u2019t.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n