Colorado Landlord Disclosure Rules Before Move-In

Moving into a new rental in Colorado? It’s important to know which disclosures your landlord must provide before you sign a lease and move in. Understanding these rules can help you avoid surprises and protect your rights as a tenant under Colorado law.

What Must Colorado Landlords Disclose Before Move-In?

Under Colorado law, landlords are required to share specific information with tenants before they move into a residential rental. Most of these disclosures are meant to keep renters safe and informed. Here’s what to look for:

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure (for pre-1978 housing)
• Identity of Landlord or Authorized Agent
• Utility Billing Arrangements
• Bed Bug Disclosure
• Mold Disclosure (if applicable)
• Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors (condition and responsibility)

Providing these written disclosures helps renters understand what they’re responsible for—and what the landlord must maintain.

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure

If you’re renting a property built before 1978, federal law requires your landlord to give you the Lead-Based Paint Disclosure form (Environmental Protection Agency Form). You should receive:

• The official Lead Warning Statement and Disclosure of Information on Lead-Based Paint
• The EPA pamphlet: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home

Example: If you rent a Denver apartment built in 1965, your landlord must provide the EPA pamphlet and signed disclosure form during lease signing.

Landlord or Agent Identity Disclosure

Landlords in Colorado must provide renters with the name and address of the property owner or their authorized agent, usually in the lease. This is required by Colorado Revised Statutes Section 38-12-801.

• It ensures you know who to contact for repairs, notices, or emergencies.

Utility Billing and Third-Party Metering

If utilities are shared or billed by a third party, Colorado landlords must:

• Disclose the method of apportionment (how they calculate each unit’s cost)
• Provide advance notice before switching to submetering or third-party billing

This protects renters from unexpected fees or confusing billing. See details from House Bill 22-1102.

Bed Bug Notification and Inspection

Landlords must give renters a bed bug information and inspection notice before move-in or when a tenant reports suspected infestation, as required by HB19-1328. This outlines each party’s responsibility and steps to handle the issue.

Mold and Safety Equipment Notices

While not required by every Colorado county, landlords often disclose:

• Known mold growth risks or remediation performed
• Condition and placement of smoke/carbon monoxide detectors (required by state safety regulations)

Knowing this helps you stay informed and safe in your new home.

Required Forms and Where to Get Them

• EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form – Used by all renters in homes built before 1978.
  Official form and booklet: EPA Real Estate Disclosure Portal
• Bed Bug Disclosure and Inspection Forms – Provided when moving in or if bed bugs are found.
  See HB19-1328 bill text for requirements. Ask your landlord for the exact disclosure copy.
• Utility Billing Disclosure Notice – Should be included in your lease or provided as a separate written document. There’s no state-standard form, but landlords must clearly explain the process. See details via HB22-1102 Utility Billing Law.

Always keep copies of any disclosures or forms your landlord gives you. If you do not receive a required disclosure, ask in writing and keep a record of your request.

What To Do if a Disclosure Is Missing

If your landlord fails to provide a required disclosure, you have several options to protect yourself:

• Send a written request (email or certified mail) for the missing documents.
• Contact the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA Rental Housing Division) for help.
• Consider mediation or legal help if the issue impacts your safety or ability to move in.

Relevant Legislation and Resources

• Primary law: Colorado Revised Statutes – Title 38, Article 12: Tenant and Landlord
• Lead paint: EPA Disclosure Regulations
• Rent and utility billing: HB22-1102 Utility Law

FAQ: Colorado Landlord Disclosures Before Move-In

1. What disclosures does a landlord have to provide before I move in?
   Landlords in Colorado must provide lead-based paint disclosures (for homes built before 1978), the name and address of the owner/agent, utility billing info, and bed bug notices, among others.
2. Do I need to sign any of these disclosure forms?
   Yes, tenants must sign the EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure. It’s also a good idea to acknowledge receipt of other disclosures such as bed bug information and utility billing notices.
3. Where can I get copies of the official disclosure forms?
   Official forms are available directly from government websites, like the EPA for lead-based paint and the Colorado General Assembly for bed bug disclosures.
4. What if my landlord refuses to provide a required disclosure?
   Politely ask in writing and keep a record. If the issue isn’t resolved, contact the Colorado DOLA Rental Housing Division for assistance.
5. Who regulates tenant-landlord law in Colorado?
   The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) – Division of Housing oversees rental housing matters.

Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Landlords must provide important safety and billing disclosures before you move in.
• If you don’t receive necessary forms, request them in writing and keep documentation.
• The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) can assist if there are problems.

Staying informed and keeping good records is the best way to protect your rights as a Colorado renter.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Rental Housing Division: State resource for tenant issues and complaints.
• Colorado Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal help for qualifying renters.
• EPA Lead Paint Disclosure Rules: For lead hazard information and forms.
• Bed Bug Law Info: Find your rights and disclosures related to bed bugs.

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1. See: Colorado Revised Statutes – Title 38, Article 12 (2024 update).
2. Lead hazards: EPA Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Regulations
3. Utility billing rules: Colorado HB22-1102 (2022 law, in effect)
4. Bed Bug Disclosures: HB19-1328 (current as of 2024)
5. Tribunal/regulator: Colorado DOLA Rental Housing Division

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