State Laws
Rental Application Fees (Bill 19-1106): Landlords 1) cannot charge applicants more than the cost of running the application, and 2) have to charge the exact same amount to every applicant (and the same amount for every unit available for rent). This requirement has been in effect as of August 2nd, 2019, after the passing of Colorado Bill HB19-1106 “Rental Application Fairness Act”.
In the event the landlord decides to charge for the application, they have to provide the applicant with a list of the charges that were accrued from the charges.
The new bill also requires landlords to provide reasoning (in writing) in the event they deny an applicant. The form is called the “Notice of Denial” and has to be done within twenty (20) days of denying the applicant.
Regarding screening criteria, landlords can no longer deny applicants for a criminal charge that occurred more than five (5) years from the date of application. Additionally, they can only use the past seven (7) years of credit history as criteria for accepting or denying the applicant.
Security Deposits: There is no set amount landlords can charge for security deposits. At the end of the lease, landlords are required to give the security deposit back within sixty (60) days, as per § 38-12-103.