Rental Housing Standards#
The City of Fort Collins has minimum standards for rental housing. This includes things like having windows that open, having working heat and water, etc.
Landlords are required to self-certify annually that they are meeting these minimum requirements as part of the Rental Registration process.
Tenants, if you believe your home is not meeting these requirements, you can request a rental inspection.
Rental Housing Standards#
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The Fort Collins Rental Housing Standards set minimum requirements to ensure all types of rental housing are safe and livable. These standards cover essentials like weather protection, lighting, heating, sanitation, and structural safety. You can view the full list of standards here.
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Property owners are encouraged to conduct an inspection of their properties at least once per year to ensure they are meeting the minimum requirements. The only tool you need for an inspection is a receptacle tester, which can be purchased at a home improvement store for about $10. The Rental Housing team has a small number of inspection kits with receptable testers that can be checked out. If you have questions about a specific standard, you can contact our Lead Rental Inspector at 970-657-9521.
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The City does not proactively inspect units to check for compliance, but tenants can request an inspection if they believe their property doesn't meet minimum standards. If violations are found, the inspector will send a letter to the property owner or management detailing the issues. This letter usually allows 30 days to start work or share a plan for making the necessary corrections. If no progress is made, the City may issue a citation to the property owner.