Colorado Pet Rent Laws: What Renters Need to Know

Renting with pets in Colorado is common, but questions often arise about whether landlords can charge extra pet rent or fees. Understanding your rights under current Colorado law ensures you are not overcharged and that you know where to turn if there are disagreements about pet policies.

Understanding Pet Rent, Fees, and Deposits in Colorado

In Colorado, landlords may charge additional amounts for tenants who own pets. These can take the form of pet rent, a pet deposit, or a nonrefundable pet fee. Recent legislation provides new protections and limits on what landlords can require.

Types of Pet-Related Charges

• Pet Rent: An ongoing monthly charge in addition to your regular rent because you have a pet.
• Pet Deposit: A refundable deposit held to cover potential pet damages, returned at lease end if no damage occurs.
• Pet Fee: A nonrefundable, one-time charge for having a pet on the property.

It’s important to know the difference because each type of charge has different rules and requirements.

What Has Changed in Colorado’s Pet Rent Laws?

As of 2024, Colorado law places caps on how much landlords can charge for pet-related rent and security deposits in most rental situations. These rules are set by Colorado House Bill 23-1068—Pet Ownership In Housing.^[1]

Pet Rent and Security Deposit Caps

• Pet Rent: Landlords cannot charge more than $35 per month or 1.5% of the tenant’s monthly rent (whichever is greater) as pet rent.
• Pet Deposit: If a landlord requires an additional pet deposit, it cannot exceed $300 and must be refundable.
• No Nonrefundable Pet Fees: Nonrefundable “pet fees” in addition to the capped deposit and pet rent are not allowed under the current law.

These caps do not apply to service animals or emotional support animals, which are covered separately under federal and state fair housing laws. If you have a service or emotional support animal, a landlord cannot charge you extra rent or deposits for your animal.^[2]

What If a Landlord Tries to Charge More Than the Cap?

If your landlord tries to charge you more than Colorado’s legal limit for pet rent or deposits—or adds a nonrefundable pet fee—you should:

• Communicate with your landlord, referencing the cap found in House Bill 23-1068.
• If your landlord won’t comply, consider submitting a written complaint or requesting assistance from the Colorado Division of Housing.

Official Forms for Disputing Pet Fees or Rent

• Colorado Division of Housing – Housing Complaint Form
  Housing Complaint Form (no number assigned)
  When and how to use: If you believe a landlord is charging more than the legal pet rent or deposit cap, fill out and submit this form online.
  Example: If your landlord charges you $60/month pet rent (above the cap) and refuses to adjust the charge, you can report this through the Housing Complaint Form.

Who Oversees Tenant-Landlord Issues in Colorado?

The main body handling residential tenancy complaints, including disputes about pet rent, is the Colorado Division of Housing. They provide tenant-landlord resources and complaint options for renters.

Relevant Legislation Governing Pet Fees

In Colorado, renter protections and pet fee caps are defined under the Colorado House Bill 23-1068 and supported by the main Colorado Revised Statutes—Title 38: Property—Real and Personal.^[3]

Key Takeaway

Colorado renters are now protected from excessive pet rents and fees. Always verify your lease against these state legal limits and reach out for help if you believe you are being overcharged.

FAQs: Colorado Pet Rent Rules and Renter Rights

1. Can my landlord charge me a nonrefundable pet fee on top of the pet deposit or pet rent?
   No, under Colorado law, nonrefundable pet fees are not allowed. Only refundable pet deposits and capped pet rent can be charged.
2. Are service animals or emotional support animals subject to pet rent or deposits?
   No, landlords may not charge extra rent or deposits for service animals or emotional support animals. These are protected under state and federal fair housing laws.
3. What should I do if my landlord illegally charges more than $35 per month for pet rent?
   You can file a complaint with the Colorado Division of Housing using their official Housing Complaint Form.
4. Does the $300 pet deposit cap apply per pet or for all pets?
   The law caps the pet deposit at $300 total, not per pet, unless the lease specifies otherwise and still complies with the maximum set by law.
5. Where can I find Colorado’s official pet rent and deposit legislation?
   All information is detailed in House Bill 23-1068—Pet Ownership In Housing.

Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Landlords can charge pet rent, but only up to $35 per month (or 1.5% of rent).
• Pet deposits are legal only if refundable and cannot exceed $300.
• Nonrefundable pet fees are not allowed.
• Service and emotional support animals are exempt from pet-related charges.

Always check your lease for compliance, and seek official support if fees appear excessive or unlawful.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Division of Housing Tenant-Landlord Resources
• File a housing complaint online about excessive pet fees or deposits
• Access Colorado House Bill 23-1068 and review the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 for legal details

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1. Colorado House Bill 23-1068—Pet Ownership In Housing
2. HUD Guidelines: Service Animals and Emotional Support Animals
3. Colorado Revised Statutes—Title 38: Property—Real and Personal

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