Do You Rent In Colorado? These New Renters Rights Took Effect In October

New laws that protect Colorado renters went into effect on October 1.

According to FOX31, HB21-1121 and SB21-173 were passed through the Colorado legislature during this year's session.

Here are the new protections:

• Landlords cannot raise the rent more than once a year
• A tenant without a written rental agreement must get 60 days written notice before rent is increased
• Renter can recover financial damages if they're illegally locked out or wrongfully evicted
• Landlords cannot charge a late fee unless payment is at least seven days late
• No late fee can be more than $50 a month of 5% of monthly rent
• For evictions, tenants can reason in court at any time on the day that response is due and the court must set trial for 7-10 days later
• Tenants can claim a breach of the Colorado Warranty of Habitability statute & the judge can reduce the amount of rent owed to the landlord
• Renters can pay owed rent to stop eviction before a judge makes a decision
• The document that allows a sheriff to remove a tenant from a property cannot come until 48 hours after the judgment is entered.

If you're renting in Colorado and need more information, click here or visit Colorado's Department of Local Affairs for statewide resources.