Colorado Apartment Bedbug Disclosure Laws: What Renters Need to Know

If you're renting an apartment in Colorado, understanding your rights regarding bedbug disclosures can help protect your health and peace of mind. Colorado law now requires landlords to follow specific procedures for disclosing and addressing bedbug infestations before and during your tenancy. Here's what you need to know to stay informed and confident as you move in.

Understanding Bedbug Disclosure Laws in Colorado

In recent years, Colorado enacted legislation to address bedbug issues in rental housing. Under House Bill 19-1328 (2019), both landlords and tenants have responsibilities for reporting and managing bedbug infestations. The law is designed to improve transparency and health safety for renters statewide.

What Landlords Must Disclose

• Before moving in, landlords are required to provide written notice if there has been a known bedbug infestation in the unit within the past eight months.
• Landlords cannot knowingly rent an infested unit.
• If bedbugs are found during your lease, landlords must notify tenants of inspection results and take prompt action against the infestation.

Inspection Rights and Responsibilities

• Tenants may request an inspection if they suspect bedbugs.
• Landlords must arrange for a qualified inspection within 96 hours (four days) of notification.
• Written inspection results must be provided to the tenant within two business days.
• If bedbugs are found, prompt professional treatment is required by the landlord. Tenants must cooperate but cannot be charged for inspection or treatment costs.

Required Forms and Notices

• Bed Bug Inspection Notice and Acknowledgment (No official form number):
  Used when landlords notify tenants of planned inspections and results. For example, if you report suspected bedbugs, your landlord should deliver this notice within the legal timeframe.
  See sample forms and guidance at the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
• Bedbug Infestation Disclosure (Move-In Notice):
  Typically included as part of your lease documents or as a separate addendum. This informs you if bedbugs have been present in your new apartment within the past eight months.
  Learn about prescribed disclosure requirements.

Tip: Review your lease carefully and save all bedbug-related communications with your landlord. These records can help if you need to file a complaint.

Who Handles Rental Disputes and Bedbug Complaints?

In Colorado, the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing oversees rental housing issues, including questions about bedbug disclosures and tenant rights. If you cannot resolve an issue with your landlord directly, you may contact them for guidance and potential complaint procedures.

Your Rights Under Colorado Law

• Landlords must disclose and address known infestations.
• Tenants cannot be charged for bedbug treatment or inspection costs if not responsible for the infestation.
• Landlords cannot retaliate or evict you solely because you request an inspection or report a problem.

These protections come from Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 38-12-1001 to 38-12-1009 – Bed Bugs in Residential Premises, part of the broader state landlord-tenant law.

What to Do If You Discover Bedbugs

• Immediately notify your landlord in writing.
• Cooperate with inspections or treatments scheduled by the landlord.
• Keep a copy of all communications and notices.
• If the landlord does not act, contact the Colorado Division of Housing for further advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bedbug Disclosure in Colorado Apartments

1. Are Colorado landlords required to tell me if there were bedbugs in my apartment before I move in?
   Yes. If there was a known bedbug infestation in the unit within the past eight months, your landlord must provide written disclosure before you sign the lease.
2. Who pays for bedbug treatment if I find them after moving in?
   Landlords are responsible for the cost of inspection and treatment, unless you caused the infestation through negligence or lack of cooperation.
3. What should I do if my landlord ignores a bedbug complaint?
   Contact the landlord in writing first. If you get no response, reach out to the Colorado Division of Housing for support and to learn about your options.
4. Can my landlord evict me for reporting a bedbug problem?
   No. State law prohibits retaliation against tenants who exercise their rights or request legal inspections.
5. Is there an official form to report bedbugs in Colorado?
   There is no single mandatory state-wide form, but written notice works. The Division of Housing provides sample documents and guidance.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Landlords in Colorado must disclose recent bedbug infestations before you move in.
• You cannot be charged for inspection or treatment if you promptly report suspected bedbugs.
• Always keep written records of all bedbug communications and related forms.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Housing: Main state resource for landlord-tenant issues, including complaints and bedbug rights.
• Landlord-Tenant Information & Sample Forms: Find sample bedbug forms and read official guidance.
• Colorado Revised Statutes: Bedbugs in Residential Premises: Read the law covering disclosure rules and tenant rights.

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1. House Bill 19-1328 (2019) – Bed Bugs in Residential Premises
2. Colorado Revised Statutes §§ 38-12-1001 to 38-12-1009
3. Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing

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