Does my Colorado landlord have to allow a service animal?

Yes. Under the FHA, landlords must allow service and assistance animals as a reasonable accommodation for disabilities.

Can my landlord charge extra rent for disability modifications?

No. While you might need to pay for your own modifications, your landlord cannot charge extra rent or deposits due to your disability.

What can I do if my landlord ignores my accommodation request?

Follow up in writing. If the request is still ignored, file a complaint with HUD or the Colorado Civil Rights Division.

Are all rental units in Colorado covered by ADA standards?

No. The ADA covers common areas and public spaces; most rental units themselves are covered by the FHA.

What proof do I need to request a disability accommodation?

A note from a healthcare provider stating the need is helpful, but you do not need to reveal your diagnosis.

ADA and FHA Accessibility Rights for Colorado Renters

Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Colorado published: June 21, 2025

If you’re a renter in Colorado living with a disability, understanding the difference between the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) can help you secure and maintain accessible housing. Both federal laws provide important protections, but they apply in slightly different situations and offer unique rights. Knowing which law applies to your home or building can make a big difference if you need to request an accommodation, make a complaint, or ensure your housing is accessible.

Understanding ADA and FHA: How They Protect Colorado Renters

The ADA and FHA are both federal laws that protect people with disabilities, but they impact rental housing in distinct ways. In Colorado, many rental properties are covered by the Fair Housing Act, while common spaces and certain public areas may also fall under the ADA. Let’s break down how each law works for renters:

Fair Housing Act (FHA)

Covers nearly all privately and publicly owned rental properties
Protects against housing discrimination based on disability (plus race, color, religion, sex, national origin, and familial status)
Requires landlords to make “reasonable accommodations” and permit “reasonable modifications” to allow equal use and enjoyment of a unit
Applies to most residential rental buildings, except some owner-occupied buildings with four units or fewer

For more, see the official FHA summary by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Primarily applies to public spaces, such as leasing offices, rental building lobbies open to the public, and common-use areas in multifamily dwellings
Requires these spaces be accessible to people with disabilities
May also affect properties if they operate like places of lodging (such as publicly available short-term rentals or shelters)

Learn more at the official ADA housing topic page.

Key Differences in Accessibility Standards (Colorado Focus)

In summary, the FHA governs most Colorado rental units themselves, while the ADA mainly covers public/common areas in housing complexes. Not all rental units are subject to ADA requirements, but all must comply with the FHA’s accessibility rules.

The FHA requires landlords to permit reasonable accommodations (like service animals or payment plan changes) and reasonable structural modifications at the tenant’s expense (such as grab bars or ramps).
The ADA requires buildings constructed after 1991 to follow stricter accessibility guidelines in all public/common-use areas.
Colorado enforces additional state laws that mirror and sometimes expand on these protections. See the Colorado Disability Act resources.

Filing an Accommodation Request or Complaint in Colorado

If you need an accessibility accommodation or feel you have experienced discrimination, you have options for recourse.

File a Fair Housing Complaint: Use HUD Form 903 to report discrimination under the FHA. This can be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) online or mailed.
Example: If your landlord refuses to allow you to install a grab bar in your rental bathroom at your own expense, you could use this form.
Access the form and instructions from HUD's official complaint site.
Colorado Civil Rights Division Intake Questionnaire (No form number): Used for state-level discrimination complaints.
Example: If a leasing office denies your request for a designated accessible parking spot, file this form.
Find it on the Colorado Civil Rights Division’s File a Complaint page.

Tip: You are not required to disclose your specific disability to your landlord—only that you have a qualifying condition. Providing documentation from a qualified professional strengthens your request.

Colorado’s Tenancy Tribunal and Governing Legislation

Officially, Colorado tenants and landlords resolve many disputes under the authority of Colorado County and District Courts (often in Small Claims or Housing Court). There is not a separate tribunal, but the courts provide forms and process guides for housing cases.

Primary legislation: Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 – Property – Real and Personal
Landlord-tenant relations: See Article 12 of Title 38 (Colorado Residential Landlord and Tenant Act)

For fairness and clarity, always put accommodation requests in writing and keep a copy for your records.

FAQ: Colorado Renters and Accessibility Protections

Does my Colorado landlord have to allow a service animal?
Yes. Under the FHA, landlords must permit service and assistance animals even if they have a no-pets policy, as a reasonable accommodation for a disability.
Can my landlord charge me extra for disability modifications?
No. While tenants may need to pay for structural modifications they request, landlords may not charge extra deposits or higher rent solely due to a disability.
What should I do if my accommodation request is ignored?
First, follow up with your landlord in writing. If there’s still no response, file a Fair Housing complaint with HUD or through the Colorado Civil Rights Division.
Are all rental buildings in Colorado covered by the ADA?
No. Only publicly accessible leasing areas or common spaces are subject to ADA standards. The living units themselves are typically covered by the FHA.
How do I show I need an accommodation?
You may provide a note from a healthcare provider explaining your need (without disclosing your diagnosis). Documentation is helpful but not always legally required.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

The FHA covers most Colorado rental units and protects your right to reasonable accommodations and modifications
The ADA applies to public and common areas in rental housing, not individual units
There are step-by-step processes and official forms for requesting accommodations or filing complaints—use government resources for guidance

Understanding these protections helps you advocate for accessible housing and act promptly if your rights are not respected.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

HUD Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity — national discrimination complaints and information
Colorado Civil Rights Division — state-level housing discrimination and accommodation guidance
Colorado Judicial Branch Housing Forms — forms and instructions for legal housing issues
Colorado Revised Statutes — full landlord-tenant legislation