Tenant Resources#

This page will serve as a guide to the rights and responsibilities of tenants, the processes of renting and the resources available to tenants in the city of Fort Collins.
This website provides general guidelines and does not constitute legal advice. Every situation is different and laws are complex, often with many exceptions. If you have questions about a specific situation, please consult a lawyer.
Check the "Legal Assistance" tab below for more information on free or low-cost legal services for tenants.
Resources:#
- Fort Collins Rental Inspection - A free, complaint-based, inspection service for tenants in Fort Collins. The rental inspector will verify the property is meeting the rental minimum standards.
- Fort Collins Mediation Services – Free, confidential mediation to resolve conflicts without court or lawyers. Voluntary participation.
- 211 Colorado - Colorado database that holds information for more than 6,500 services across the state of Colorado.
- Emergency Rental Assistance – Help for those facing eviction; call for access.
- Utilities and Rental Assistance – Assistance for late rent or utilities, or if at risk of missing a payment. Connects to county resources.
- Neighbor to Neighbor – Local partner providing monthly rental assistance for low-income residents.
- Larimer County Assistance– Rental and utility help for low-income residents financially impacted by COVID-19 and at risk of homelessness.
- Housing Catalyst Vouchers– Housing vouchers for residents of Fort Collins, Wellington, and Larimer County.
- Catholic Charities – Rent and utility assistance by appointment.
- The Salvation Army – Rental and utility help after scheduling a meeting via email. Other support available.
- Eviction Legal Help – Free legal aid for tenants via the Colorado Poverty Law Project.
- Colorado Legal Services – Free legal help for low-income and elderly Coloradans.
- Student Legal Services – Free legal services for CSU graduate and undergraduate students
- Find a Colorado Lawyer – Search for licensed Colorado lawyers.
Process:#
1. Landlord Responsibilities
Landlords are responsible for ensuring the property is safe, livable, and that essential systems and appliances are functional. This includes major repairs such as fixing furnaces, water heaters, air conditioners, stoves, refrigerators, and dishwashers.
Keep the landlord’s or property manager’s email and phone number readily available to contact them, especially in case of emergencies.
2. Tenant Responsibilities
- Pay rent on time.
- Maintain the property in good condition.
- Address any specific responsibilities outlined in the lease (e.g., minor repairs).
- Avoid City of Fort Collins common code violations.
- Take responsibility for damages caused by themselves or their guests.
3. Costs Before Moving In
Typically, you will need to pay:
- First month’s rent.
- A security deposit, which cannot exceed two months’ rent.
- Pet deposit if applicable (maximum of $300).
If moving in mid-month, you’ll only pay rent for the portion of the month you’ll occupy the property (pro-rated rent).
4. Monthly Expenses
Tenants are usually responsible for utilities, including:
- Electricity
- Gas
- Water
- Internet
- Cable TV
- Pet rent (maximum of $35 or 1.5% of monthly rent whichever is greater HB23-1068).
Some utilities may be included in the rent. Check your lease for details.
5. Negotiating the Lease
Lease terms, such as the rent amount or duration, can often be negotiated if both the tenant and landlord agree. Any changes must be documented in the lease.
6. Communicating with the Landlord or Property Manager
- Communicate in writing whenever possible to keep a record of all interactions.
- If you need to call, follow up with an email summarizing the conversation.
- For emergencies, use the emergency contact information listed in your lease.
7. Landlord or Property Manager Visits
Landlords or property managers may visit to inspect the property but must provide reasonable notice and visit at a reasonable time. Exceptions include emergencies that require immediate access. Check your lease for specific terms regarding notice requirements.
Once you’ve rented the property, it is your home for the lease term, and you have a right to privacy.
Tenant Rights:#

All Fort Collins tenants should know their rights. Knowing what’s legal (and what’s not) helps renters push back when something isn’t right and makes it easier to get repairs, avoid scams, and understand their lease. When tenants know their rights, they have the power to advocate for themselves and get the housing they deserve.
-
Landlords cannot refuse to rent to you based on source of income, immigration status, disability, race, religion, gender, marital status, family status, sexual orientation, or national origin. This includes protections under the Immigration Tenant Protection Act (SB20-224).
On the state level, the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) enforces the state’s anti-discrimination laws; you can find more information about the CCRD on the Colorado Division of Civil Rights page or call 1-800-886-7675. Additionally, you can contact the City's Equity and Inclusion Office at 970-416-4254 or ADACoordinator@fcgov.com if you have been the victim of discriminatory housing practices per Chapter 13 of the Fort Collins Municipal Code.
-
Under Colorado’s Warranty of Habitability laws (SB24-094), which is not enforced by the City of Fort Collins, landlords must ensure rental properties are safe and healthy by providing:
- Running water and working plumbing.
- Clean common areas free of garbage and pests.
- Properly maintained doors, windows, locks, and roofs.
- Indoor heat (October to April) and proper ventilation.
- Safe electrical systems, lighting, and fire exits.
- No harmful mold or persistent dampness.
- Functional elevators, where required.
Tenants must notify landlords in writing about habitability issues. Landlords have 24 hours to respond to urgent issues (e.g., health/safety risks) and 72 hours for non-urgent problems. Repairs must be completed within 7 to 14 days, depending on urgency. Be sure to document all communications with your landlord for record-keeping. Failure to comply may allow tenants to take legal action, such as moving out or withholding rent for repairs. Tenants should seek legal counsel before pursuing these options.
The City of Fort Collins Rental Housing Standards, which are comparable to those listed above, are enforceable by the city after a complaint based rental housing inspection is completed.
-
Evictions must follow legal procedures:
- Landlords must provide cause (HB24-1098), such as unpaid rent, lease violations, or no-fault reasons with a 90-day notice.
- Tenants on SNAP, SSI, or cash assistance have mediation rights and cannot be removed for a minimum of 30 days post-judgment (HB23-1120).
- Landlords cannot charge fees related to eviction notices (HB23-1095).
-
Victims of domestic violence have certain rights to terminate a lease early for safety. Damage caused by abuse is not considered the tenant’s responsibility (HB17-1035).
-
Landlords can only raise rent once per year. Income verification and security deposits are capped at two times the monthly rent (SB23-184).
-
Landlords must provide:
- Contact information.
- Bed bug history (past 8 months, upon request).
- Rental application fees and rules, ensuring fees match actual processing costs (HB19-1106).
- Right to use your own portable tenant screening report (HB23-1099).
- Reasons for denying applications and a copy of the screening report.
- Radon warnings, details of previous radon issues, and mitigation steps if leases exceed one year (SB23-206).
-
- Cooling Rights: Tenants can use cooling devices like fans or AC units; landlords must repair landlord-provided AC systems.
- Right to Privacy: Landlords must give 24-hour notice before entering your unit, except in emergencies.
- Retaliation Protections: Landlords cannot retaliate for complaints about habitability or other legal activities (C.R.S. 38-12-509).
- Prohibited Lease Clauses: Lease agreements cannot waive rights to jury trials, class actions, or fair treatment, nor include penalties for eviction notices (HB23-1095).
Tools for Smart Renting#

Tools for smart renting such as rental insurance, portable tenant screening reports, and the Fort Collins Rental Housing department can help save you money in case of disaster, save money when applying to multiple rental units, or if you are experiencing maintenance issues at your current apartment, respectively.
Why it’s Important:
- Protects your personal belongings: Covers items like furniture, electronics, clothing, and other valuables.
- Liability Coverage: Provides protection if someone gets injured in your rental and holds you responsible.
- Temporary Living Costs: Pays for hotel stays or other expenses if your rental becomes uninhabitable.
- Affordable Peace of Mind: Often costs $10-$20 per month.
How to Get Renter’s Insurance:
- Assess Your Needs: Take inventory of your belongings and estimate their value. If you have high value-items you may need extra coverage.
- Start with Your Current Insurer: If you already have auto or health insurance, ask if they offer renter’s insurance.
- Shop Around: Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best rate and coverage.
- Landlord Provided Options: Some landlords offer renter’s insurance but compare these to the open market to ensure value.
Tips for Filing a Claim
- Document Your Items: Keep an updated inventory with photos or receipts.
- Act Fast: File claims promptly after an incident.
Portable tenant screening reports are credit and background checks that renters can obtain themselves and share with landlords. These reports are typically valid for 30 days and may include:
- Identity and Social Security number verification
- Credit and rental history
- Employment and income verification
- Criminal history
- Checks against the sex offender registry and national terrorist watchlist
Key Information:
- Landlords may accept valid portable screening reports prepared within 30 days by a consumer reporting agency.
- If a tenant provides a screening report, the landlord cannot charge application or access fees for that report.
- Landlords must inform tenants of their right to use a portable screening report before collecting application fees.
- If a landlord denies an application after obtaining a report, they must provide a copy of the report to the tenant.
The Rental Housing Program, including rental registration, is designed to improve the health, safety, and overall housing quality for renters in Fort Collins. Here’s how it benefits tenants:
1. Access to Inspections and Enforcement
- Rental Housing Inspector: The program includes a full-time rental housing inspector who investigates safety concerns in rental units.
- Complaint-Based Inspections: If your rental has issues that violate the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), our inspector will ensure landlords address and resolve these problems. Remember it is illegal for your landlord to retaliate against you for reporting unsafe conditions.
2. Improved Housing Conditions
- Grant Funding for Upgrades: We’re helping landlords fund improvements to safety features and enhance energy efficiency in rental properties.
3. Better Tenant-Landlord Relationships
- Education for Both Parties: The program provides educational resources to tenants and landlords about rights, responsibilities, and local regulations, creating stronger, more informed relationships.
4. Informed City Planning
- Data Collection: By gathering information about rental units, the City can better understand tenants' needs and improve housing options.
- Equity and Services: This data helps ensure services, infrastructure, and affordable housing are distributed fairly across neighborhoods.
Definitions:#
-
A person who pays rent to live in a property owned by someone else.
-
A person who rents out property they own to tenants.
-
A person hired by the landlord to handle tasks related to their rental property on their behalf.
-
Money paid monthly by the tenant to the landlord, usually due on the first of each month for the upcoming month. Always get a receipt for your rent payment.
-
The agreed time-period for renting the property, usually one year. At the end of the term, you can renew the lease or move out.
-
Money given to the landlord to cover potential damages. If you meet the lease terms, the deposit should be returned within 60 days of the lease's end, along with a written list of any deductions.
-
Fees charged if rent is more than 7 days late, fees should be stated in the lease. The fee cannot exceed $50 or 5% of the late amount, whichever is greater (SB21-173).
-
The legal process for removing a tenant who violates lease terms.
-
Eviction for reasons not caused by tenant behavior, such as:
· Property demolition or sale
· Major repairs or renovations
· Landlord or family moving in
· Tenant refusal to sign a reasonable new lease
· Tenant’s repeatedly late rent payment
-
Retaliation includes actions like increasing rent, reducing services, ending a lease without tenant consent, threatening eviction, charging extra fees, or any action that threatens, intimidates, discriminates, or harasses the tenant.
In Colorado, it is illegal for landlords to retaliate against tenants for any good-faith complaint (C.R.S 38-12-509).