Colorado Rental Laws and FAQs for Landlords, Tenants and Owners
Colorado rental laws are updated often, and staying informed helps protect your investment and your tenants. This page covers the latest legislation along with answers to the questions property owners ask us most. Applicants can find their own frequently asked questions here.
- HB25-1249 Tenant Security Deposit Protections – signed into law, effective 6/3/25
- HB25-1168 Housing Protections for Victim-Survivors – signed into law, effective 5/22/25
- HB25-1090 Protections Against Deceptive Pricing Practices – signed into law, 4/21/25
- HB25-1053 Landowner Immunity for Emergency Access to Property – signed into law, 3/20/25
- HB24-1259 Price Gouging in Rent Declared Disaster – signed into law, effective 6/5/24
- SB23-184 Protections for Residential Tenants – signed into law, effective 8/7/23
- SB23-206 Disclose Radon Information Residential Property – signed into law, effective 8/7/23
- HB23-1095 Prohibited Provisions in Rental Agreements (Class Action Waivers) – signed into law, effective 8/7/23
- SB23-148 Illegal Drug Laboratory Property and Certification – signed into law, effective 8/7/23
- HB23-1068 Pet Ownership in Housing – signed into law, effective 1/1/24
- HB23-1120 Eviction Protections for Residential Tenants – signed into law, in effect
- HB23-1254 Habitability of Residential Premises – signed into law, in effect
- HB23-1186 Remote Participation in Residential Evictions – passed
- HB23-1115 Repeal Prohibition Local Resident Rent Control – lost
- SB23-213 Land Use – lost
Frequently Asked Questions for Property Owners
We know owning a rental property comes with plenty of questions, from how fees work to what happens during the application and maintenance process. Here are answers to what property owners ask us most.
Management Fees and Contract Terms
Here's how our fee structure and contract terms work for property owners.
Is there a fee while the property is being marketed or if the property goes vacant?
No, we take the management fee out of monthly rental income only. If you're not collecting rental income, we're not collecting our management fee.
You'd like to terminate your contract with us?
Sometimes it just doesn't work out, and that's okay. Our contract can be terminated with just 30 days' notice. We don't want to hold you to something you're not happy with, and again, no hidden fees.
Do you offer any incentives for referrals?
Yes. We offer one month free of management if your referral is converted to business.
Rent Pricing and Property Inspections
These are the most common questions we get about pricing your rental and how we monitor the property over time.
How are rent amounts determined?
Our rental rate recommendations are based on market research (comparable properties, time of year, etc.) as well as feedback from prospective renters. We work to get you as much rental income as possible, but we will suggest a price adjustment if necessary.
How often does Fox Management inspect the property?
Fox will conduct bi-annual inspections of the property. Additional inspections may be scheduled at the owner's request.
What parties are listed on the lease?
The property owner(s) and the tenant(s) will be listed on the lease. Fox Property Management is listed as the agent.
How and where will the property be marketed?
In addition to our website, your property will be listed on roughly 30 rental listing websites (e.g., Zillow Group, Zumper, Lovely) free of cost. Signs can also be placed at the property upon owner request.
Maintenance, Deposits and Evictions
Here's what owners can expect when it comes to repairs, deposits, and the rare case an eviction becomes necessary.
Have you ever filed for eviction?
We prefer to find solutions through mediation between tenant and homeowner, but yes, we are equipped with the tools and knowledge to file for an eviction should the tenant not comply with lease terms. This is the last resort, as it requires resources like time and money that may not be reimbursed in full.
How is maintenance handled?
You'll be notified through email of all maintenance, repairs, and housekeeping being done at your property. Fox will obtain permission from property owners for recommended or necessary repairs exceeding five hundred dollars ($500.00). Additionally, we have a property manager on call 24/7 to handle maintenance emergencies. In the event of an emergency, Fox may deem it necessary to exceed the five hundred dollar limit to protect the property.
What is the standard security deposit for tenants?
While the security deposit amount is ultimately the property owner's decision, our recommendation is one month's rent.
Applicant Approval Process (Owner View)
This is how the applicant review and approval process works from an owner's perspective.
What is the timeframe for approving applicants?
Typically, we like to have a decision made, whether you are approving the applicant(s) or denying the applicant(s), within three business days of them submitting their application(s).
What is the application process?
- We require all adults wanting to live at the property to submit a separate online application. This allows us to run the background check and credit report which is necessary information for all adults living at the property.
- Once all adults have submitted their application, we will begin the vetting process.
- After the vetting has been completed, we will send you the most qualified applicant’s information for final approval.
- Once approved, we will let them know that they have been approved and begin the lease process.
- During the lease process, your property manager will send you a draft of the lease including the tenant’s names, lease dates, rent amounts, pet info, etc.
- After you have reviewed and approved the lease draft, we will send the lease to the applicants for their review.
- Once all parties have approved the lease, we will send the lease through DocuSign for everyone’s electronic signature.
- When the lease has been signed by everyone, we will give them access to their tenant portal to pay the necessary charges (deposits and rent).
What information can I expect to receive regarding the applicants?
- Income: verified net monthly income
- Number of dependents
- Pets: number of pets, type of pets (cats, dogs, etc.), breeds, weights, and ages
- Rental history: reference from current and/or previous landlord
- Background check: disclosure of any red flags regarding their criminal history and/or evictions
- Credit check: credit score, disclosure of any negative remarks, amounts past due, amounts in collections, etc.
- Desired move-in date
- Desired lease length: this can typically be negotiated if you had something in mind that is different than what they prefer
Disclaimer: The landlord shall not consider an arrest record of a prospective tenant from any time or any conviction of a prospective tenant occurring more than five years before the date of the application. Excepted from this limitation are specific activities including criminal conviction relating to certain offenses involving methamphetamine, any felony offense that required the prospective tenant to register as a sex offender, or any offense classified as a homicide.
Partner with Fox Property Management
Whether you're weighing your management options or you're a current owner with a question, our team is here to make the process straightforward. Explore our Management Services to see how we support property owners, or contact us with any questions along the way.
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