Colorado Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Colorado Landlord Responsibilities for Habitability

Last Updated: February 23, 2023

Colorado legally requires landlords to meet certain “habitability” requirements for all rental properties. This means that they’re responsible for providing a property that meets specific health and safety standards and for fixing issues that violate them.

Colorado Implied Warranty of Habitability

In Colorado, the implied warranty of habitability means that a landlord must provide and maintain a safe and habitable rental property. “Implied” means the requirement applies whether or not the lease agreement specifically says so and even if the lease tries to waive the obligation.

Examples of clear habitability violations include:

  • Exposed electrical wiring.
  • A pipe leaking human waste.
  • A broken front doorknob that won’t lock.

      However, the implied warranty of habitability does not guarantee that anything at the property will be pretty, clean, new or issue-free, so it doesn’t cover things like old cabinets or dents in a wall. It only guarantees basic health and safety.

      Landlord Responsibilities in Colorado

      Note: Check local city/county laws and ordinances for additional requirements.

      Item Has To Provide? Has To Fix / Replace?
      Air Conditioning / Heating Only Heating Only Heating
      Hot Water Yes Yes
      Kitchen Appliances No Only If Provided
      Washer & Dryer No Only If Provided
      Smoke/CO Detectors Yes Yes
      Window Coverings Yes Yes
      Light Fixtures Yes Yes
      Landscaping No Sometimes
      Garbage Removal Yes Yes
      Garbage Pickup No No
      Mold N/A Yes
      Pest Control No N/A
      Pest Infestations N/A Yes
      Water Leaks N/A Sometimes
      Clogs N/A Sometimes

      Landlord Responsibilities for Heating & Air Conditioning in Colorado

      Colorado landlords must provide and maintain heating for rental properties. They don’t have to provide air conditioning.

      Are Landlords Required to Provide Air Filter Replacements in Colorado?

      Colorado landlords don’t have to replace things like air filters, unless heating equipment won’t work otherwise.

      Landlord Responsibilities for Plumbing in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are responsible for keeping plumbing in good working order.

      Are Landlords Required To Provide Hot Water in Colorado?

      Colorado landlords must provide and maintain running heated water for rental properties.

      Are Landlords Responsible for Fixing Clogged Drains & Toilets in Colorado?

      Colorado landlords have to fix clogs the renter didn’t cause which keep the plumbing from being in good working order.

      Are Landlords in Colorado Responsible for Fixing Leaks?

      Colorado landlords must fix leaks the renter didn’t cause which keep the plumbing from being in good working order.

      Landlord Responsibilities for Kitchen Appliances in Colorado

      Colorado landlords don’t have to provide or maintain kitchen appliances such as a dishwasher, stove, oven, microwave, or refrigerator. However, if provided, the landlord does have to keep such appliances in good working order.

      Landlord’s Responsibilities for Electrical Issues in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are responsible for providing electrical service, and electrical lighting for the premises, in good working order.

      Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Light Bulbs in Colorado?

      Colorado landlords don’t have a clear responsibility for replacing light bulbs. The landlord isn’t responsible for repairing damage from ordinary wear and tear, or damage caused by the renter’s actions. This means in most cases, a landlord won’t be responsible for bulb replacement.

      Landlord’s Responsibilities for Garbage Removal in Colorado

      Colorado landlords must provide and maintain outside garbage containers. The law makes tenants primarily responsible for making sure the premises are clean with properly disposed garbage, so it’s the tenant’s job to arrange garbage service if the landlord doesn’t.

      Landlord Responsibilities for Landscaping in Colorado

      Colorado landlords have no specific obligation to provide landscaping or maintain it with actions like cutting grass. They only have to deal with issues like fallen trees if they interfere with the cleanliness of common areas, violate local codes, or create a hazard to health and safety.

      Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Mold in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are responsible for mold issues. Within 96 hours of getting written or electronic notice about a mold issue or health-related dampness, the landlord must take specific containment measures and begin preparations for proper decontamination and remediation.

      Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Pests in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are responsible for fixing pest issues the renter didn’t cause, including rats, roaches, mice, and ants. However, there’s no requirement for landlords to inspect or test regularly for pests.

      Landlords have many specific legal responsibilities when it comes to bedbugs. For example, they must hire a professional inspector within 96 hours of a reported infestation, begin treatment within five business days of inspection, and give particular disclosures and updates to the tenant as treatment proceeds.

      Landlord Responsibilities for Windows & Window Coverings in Colorado

      Colorado landlords have no specific responsibility to provide or maintain window screens in Colorado. However, the landlord must provide unbroken windows, and windows designed to open must have locks in good working order.

      Landlord Responsibilities Regarding Safety Devices in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining required smoke alarms and carbon monoxide (CO) detectors. In general, all rentals must have smoke alarms, while CO detectors are only required when there’s a fossil fuel-burning appliance or unvented garage adjacent to the property or within it.

      Are Landlords Responsible for Replacing Batteries of Safety Devices in Colorado?

      Colorado landlords are responsible for fire safety systems, including battery replacement for such devices.

      Landlord Responsibilities for Doors & Locks in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are responsible for providing and maintaining unbroken doors, and locks in good working order.

      Landlord Responsibilities for Washers and Dryers in Colorado

      Colorado landlords are not required to furnish their rental properties with a working washer and dryer. However, if they are provided, the landlord is responsible for fixing them if they stop working properly.

      Renter’s Rights for Repairs in Colorado

      Colorado renters have the right to repairs for issues that affect health and safety, unless they caused the issue themselves. The renter must give the landlord a written or electronic repair request. Depending on the issue, the landlord must begin reasonable repairs within 24-96 hours after notice.

      If the landlord fails to repair, the renter has to submit a written notice of breach to the landlord and wait five business days. After that, the renter can begin the process to end the rental agreement, or ask a court to order repairs or compensation.

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