Can Rent Go Up After Accessibility Upgrades in Colorado?

Renters who need accessibility modifications—like ramps, grab bars, or other accommodations—often wonder if their landlord can raise the rent afterward. In Colorado, your renter protections are shaped by state law and federal regulations. This article explains how Colorado law handles rent increases related to disability accommodations, outlines key rules for landlords and tenants, and provides links to essential forms and agencies.

Understanding Accessibility Upgrades and Rent in Colorado

Under both federal law (the Fair Housing Act) and Colorado state law, landlords must allow tenants with disabilities to make reasonable modifications to accommodate their needs.

• Accessibility upgrades can include installing ramps, grab bars, wider doorways, or lowering counters.
• Tenants generally pay for the cost of these modifications unless the property receives federal funding.
• Landlords cannot refuse reasonable modification requests but may require restoration at end of tenancy (with some exceptions).

Can Landlords Raise Rent Because of Accessibility Modifications?

Landlords in Colorado cannot raise your rent simply because you request or install accessibility upgrades as a reasonable accommodation for disability. This is protected by the federal Fair Housing Act and applies statewide.^[1][2]

• Rent may increase as part of a standard lease renewal or a regularly scheduled rent review per Colorado law.
• Any separate agreement for added landlord-provided improvements—above what is required for reasonable accommodation—could potentially influence rent, but only if agreed to in writing.

If a landlord tries to increase your rent because of an accessibility request, this could be discrimination. You’re protected by law.

Notification and Documentation Rules

Colorado law requires landlords to give advance written notice for any rent increase. For most month-to-month leases, at least 21 days’ notice is required.^[3]

• If a rent increase is tied to accessibility upgrades (which is not generally allowed for required accommodations), make sure you keep copies of communications with your landlord.

Forms You Might Need

• Reasonable Accommodation/Modification Request
  Form Name: N/A (Written requests are sufficient in Colorado.)
  When to use: If you need an accessibility modification, submit a written request to your landlord, clearly stating the modification and your disability-related need. For sample formats and more, see the Colorado Civil Rights Division guidance.
• Discrimination Complaint Form
  Where to get it: Colorado Civil Rights Division Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
  When to use: If your landlord discriminates by raising your rent, refusing reasonable modifications, or retaliates against you because of a disability accommodation.
  Example: If your landlord increases rent only after you ask for a wheelchair ramp, you can submit this form to start an official investigation.

Which Agency Handles Tenant Complaints?

The main agency that handles residential tenancy and housing discrimination complaints in Colorado is the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD). They investigate complaints related to fair housing—including accessibility and rent increases connected to disability accommodations.

General landlord-tenant disputes and enforcement of lease terms are managed through Colorado county courts.

What Colorado Law Says About Rent and Disability Accommodations

Colorado’s main landlord-tenant law is the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 – Landlord and Tenant. This is supplemented by federal protections under the Fair Housing Act. Both prohibit housing discrimination, including increasing rent due to disability accommodations.

• Colorado landlords must allow reasonable modifications for renters with disabilities.
• Any attempt to increase the rent based on an accessibility modification request is likely unlawful. You can report this to the CCRD.

FAQ: Rent Increases and Accessibility Upgrades in Colorado

1. Can my landlord charge extra rent because I install a wheelchair ramp?
   No. Colorado law and the Fair Housing Act prohibit increasing rent because of accessibility modifications required for disability accommodation.
2. What should I do if my rent goes up after asking for disability-related changes?
   Collect written proof, talk with your landlord, and if needed, file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division.
3. How much notice does my landlord need to give me for a rent increase?
   For most month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide at least 21 days’ written notice before a rent increase.
4. Do I have to restore the apartment after making accessibility upgrades?
   You may need to restore the rental at the end of your tenancy, unless the modifications will not interfere with future occupancy or you have an agreement stating otherwise.
5. Who pays for the accessibility modifications?
   In general, renters pay for modifications in private housing, but costs may be covered if your landlord receives federal funding.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD): Investigates housing discrimination and fair housing complaints.
• Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) Tenant & Homeowner Resources: Landlord-tenant information and guidance.
• Submit a Housing Discrimination Complaint
• HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity: File a federal fair housing complaint online.

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Fair Housing Act (U.S. Department of Justice)
3. Colorado DORA - Tenant Rights and Responsibilities

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