Summary:This bill makes changes to current definitions around “normal wear and tear” as it applies to the security deposit, caps security deposits to 1 times the monthly rent, or a tenant’s portion of the rent, if they receive a housing voucher, requires landlords to permit payment plans on deposits of at least 6 months, and prohibits landlords from evicting a tenant based on their failure to pay the deposit. This bill also requires that landlords perform a move-out inspection with the tenant present, at tenant request, and prohibits landlords from charging for any damages that were not documented at the time of the inspection.
CHC Position/Concerns:OPPOSED-The Colorado Housing Coalition opposes this bill for the increased risk this bill creates when approving applicants for any rental property. Capping deposits limits the likelihood that a property owner or property manager will be flexible with applicants who are not as qualified, or on the bubble, and is especially a concern for applicants receiving a rental subsidy. If a tenant is not responsible for any portion of their rent, there is no deposit allowable by this bill. Additionally, this bill does not provide any allowance for damage hidden due to tenant belongings, or yard work not visible due to snow. Security deposits exist as a way to offset the risk every property owner faces each time they lease their property, and this bill does not provide any alternative safety net in the event that a tenant acts in bad faith.
CHC Advocacy Efforts:
- February:Currently in review.
Link to Bill:https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1249
We encourage you to reach out the Bill Sponsors and Committee Members in opposition:
- Sponsor Naquetta Ricks HD40- 303.866.2944
- Steven Woodrow HD2 - 303.866.2967
- Ryan Armagost HD64 - 303.866.2906
- Max Brooks HD45- 303.866.2948
- Regina English HD17- 303.866.3069
- Rebecca Keltie HD16- 303.866.2973
- Sheila Lieder HD28- 303.866.2939
- William Lindstedt HD33- 303.866.4667
- Bob Marshall HD43- 303.866.2936
- Tisha Mauro HD46- 303.866.2968
- Chris Richardson HD46- 303.866.2912
- Gretchen Rydin HD38 -303.866.2953
- Larry Don Suckla HD58 -303.866.2955
Email List for Committee and Sponsors;
naquetta.ricks.house@coleg.gov,ryan.armagost.house@coleg.gov,max.brooks.house@coleg.gov,regina.english.house@coleg.gov,rebecca.keltie.house@coleg.gov,shelia.lieder.house@coleg.gov,william.lindstedt.house@coleg.gov,bob.marshall.house@coleg.gov,tisha.mauro.house@coleg.gov,chris.richardson.house@coleg.gov,gretchen.rydin.house@coleg.gov,larry.suckla.house@coleg.gov
