As a landlord, staying informed and compliant with all current housing regulations is essential to running a successful business. The Fair Housing Act of 1988 sets the foundation for protecting individuals from discrimination in regard to acquiring or renting a place to live in the United States.
Understanding how this federal law applies to Colorado landlords is key to upholding tenant rights and avoiding potential legal risks. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the core points for Fair Housing practices in Colorado and provide you with important information that can help you remain knowledgeable about your obligations as a landlord.
To learn more about the Colorado Fair Housing Laws, keep on reading!
Understanding the Colorado Fair Housing Act
In Colorado, the Fair Housing Act is administered and enforced by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The act’s mission is to ensure equal access to housing for all people regardless of their race, color, national origin, religion, disability, sex, and family status as these are considered protected characteristics.
This act applies to all aspects of housing transactions such as financing, zoning laws, and advertising. It also ensures that landlords cannot discriminate against tenants based on any of these protected characteristics.
The Fair Housing Act in Colorado is an important law for both renters and landlords alike. As a landlord, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the Fair Housing Act in Colorado and become knowledgeable about how it applies to landlords and tenants.
By doing so, you can avoid costly legal issues that may result from unlawful discrimination. Additionally, understanding your rights and responsibilities under the Fair Housing Act will help you ensure a positive experience for everyone involved in your rental transactions.
What is Not Allowed Under the Fair Housing Act?
The following actions are prohibited by Colorado’s Fair Housing Laws:
- Presenting unfair terms in a residential or commercial real estate transaction
- Falsely asserting to ensure that a member of a particular group cannot find housing
- Advertising houses solely to specific demographics
- Showing homes or apartments available only in certain neighborhoods
- Refusing to accept a mortgage application based on someones protected class
- Refusing to make adequate accommodations for people with disabilities
- Retaliate against someone who has utilised their Fair Housing Act rights
Note that there are some exceptions to this law. A room being rented in a single-family home where the owner lives, single-family homes that are sold or rented without the use of a broker, and religious organizations and clubs with membership restrictions are all exempt.
Accessibility Criteria Under The Fair Housing Act of Colorado
Specifications for reasonable accommodations and reasonable adaptations required in multifamily housing are mandated by the 1991 Fair Housing Act. Housing providers are required to make reasonable adjustments so that people with disabilities can use and stay comfortably in their homes.
Some common accommodations are as follows:
- Allowing a service dog or emotional support animal in a place that normally prohibits pets.
- Providing a renter with a mobility limitation with a designated parking space near the building.
- Allowing disabled children to reside with their parents in a 55+ neighborhood.
Reasonable Modification Requests
A reasonable modification request is a structural change to the premises that varies depending on the type of disability and the residence. The following are examples of reasonable modification requests:
- Installation of visual fire alarms or doorbells for residents who are deaf or hard of hearing
- Lowering a unit’s entry threshold
- Putting up a ramp in a building
- Removing or lowering kitchen and bathroom cabinets to accommodate wheelchair users
- Putting up grab bars in the bathroom
How to Prevent Violations of the Fair Housing Act
Landlords can help protect themselves from Fair Housing Act violations in Colorado by keeping the following things in mind:
- A landlord should not discriminate against a rental applicant or tenant based on their race, national origin, color, religion, sex, familial status, and disability.
- Landlords should ensure that any advertising materials used are free from discriminatory language.
- Landlords should provide reasonable accommodations for tenants with disabilities.
- Landlords should keep detailed records of all activity related to the Fair Housing Act in Colorado.
Consequences For Violating the Fair Housing Act in Colorado
Violating the Fair Housing Act in Colorado can result in legal repercussions. Those found guilty of Fair Housing Act violations may face civil penalties including fines and payment of damages to the person or persons affected by the violation. Therefore, it’s important for landlords to abide by the Fair Housing Act in Colorado and understand what constitutes a violation.
Overall, Fair Housing laws in Colorado are designed to ensure that everyone has access to housing without being discriminated against. Following the Fair Housing Act in Colorado is essential for landlords and tenants alike.
In Conclusion
The purpose of the Fair Housing Act is to protect individuals from experiencing discrimination when getting a mortgage, buying or renting a home, seeking housing assistance, or participating in activities related to housing. This law makes it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, handicap, and sex.
As a landlord, it’s important to remain informed of these laws as well as landlord-tenant laws, security deposit regulations, lease termination policies, and the legal eviction process in the state.
If you would like help managing your rentals and the legal obligations that come with it, you can contact Keyrenter Property Management Denver. We would be happy to answer any questions that you may have. Reach out today to learn more about our property management services!
Disclaimer: This blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. Laws change, and this post might not be updated at the time of your reading. Please contact us for any questions you have in regards to this content or any other aspect of your property management needs.