Colorado Renters: How to Handle Apartment Pest Problems

Pest infestations are a serious health and safety issue for renters throughout Colorado. Whether you're dealing with bed bugs, cockroaches, rodents, or other pests, state law requires landlords to provide habitable housing. Understanding your rights and responsibilities is key to ensuring swift, safe, and effective pest control in your apartment. This guide breaks down the official steps, forms, and resources every Colorado renter should know to address pest problems and keep your home safe.

Habitability and Pest Infestations: Your Rights in Colorado

Colorado law states that landlords must offer and maintain rental units that meet basic health and safety standards—including being free from pests. Under the Colorado Residential Tenants Health and Safety Act, a landlord is responsible for ensuring the premises remain habitable throughout your lease.^[1]

• Landlord's Duty: Address and pay for pest control if an infestation threatens health or safety—not caused by the renter's actions or negligence.
• Renter's Duty: Notify the landlord in writing about pest issues and allow reasonable time for repairs or eradication.

What Qualifies as a Habitability Issue?

Pest infestations such as bed bugs, mice, or cockroaches are habitability problems if they pose risks to your health or safety. Colorado's definition includes any "condition materially interfering with the tenant's life, health, or safety" within the rental unit.

Official Steps: Reporting and Resolving a Pest Infestation

Act promptly if you discover pests. Document the issue to protect your rights and ensure a timely response from your landlord.

• Document the Infestation: Take clear photos, keep samples if safe, and note the date you observed the pests.
• Notify Your Landlord in Writing: Use Colorado's Notice to Landlord form to report habitability concerns, including pest infestations. Provide a detailed description and any evidence you collected.
• Keep a Copy: Always retain a copy of any communication and forms you submit.
• Landlord's Response Time: The landlord must start addressing the problem within 24–96 hours (depending on severity) after receiving your written notice.

What if the Landlord Doesn’t Fix the Problem?

If the landlord fails to take reasonable steps, Colorado law allows renters to take further action. This might include:

• Filing a complaint with your local code enforcement or health department
• Withholding rent or breaking the lease under specific, legal circumstances—always seek advice or review the law before doing so
• Requesting the Colorado judicial system to intervene

Key Forms for Colorado Renters Dealing with Pests

• Notice to Landlord Regarding Condition Affecting Health or Safety
  
  • When to use: If you observe any pest infestation that may impact your health or safety.
  • How to use: Complete the Habitability and Repairs Notice to Landlord form. Send it via certified mail or another way that provides proof of delivery.
  • Example: If you find bed bugs in your apartment and your initial texts aren’t answered, submit this form to your landlord and keep a copy.
• Complaint Form—Local Code Enforcement
  
  • When to use: If your landlord doesn’t respond within the legal timeframe, file a complaint with your city or county code enforcement office. Find your local agency via the Colorado Housing Directory.
  • Example: You provided written notice and waited, but the landlord didn’t take action. File an official complaint with code enforcement for inspection.

Colorado’s Official Tribunal for Rental Disputes

Disputes over repairs, habitability, or pest issues can be brought to the Colorado County Courts, which handle landlord–tenant cases, including claims under the health and safety standards.^[2] For larger or unresolved cases, renters may need to seek legal assistance or contact the court directly.

Action Steps for Colorado Renters: What to Do First

Tackling pest infestations may feel overwhelming, but following clear steps can help protect both your well-being and your rights as a renter.

• Immediately document the issue (photos, dates, evidence)
• Submit a written "Habitability and Repairs Notice to Landlord" as soon as possible
• Allow the legally required response window (usually 24–96 hours)
• If the landlord fails to act, file a local code complaint or seek help from county courts

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who pays for pest control in Colorado rental housing?
   In most cases, landlords must pay for pest control if the problem was not caused by the tenant and is a safety issue. Document the infestation and report it right away.
2. Can I break my lease due to a pest infestation?
   Possibly, but you must first follow proper notice procedures and allow your landlord time to fix the issue. Consult the Colorado Residential Tenants Health and Safety Act and contact legal aid before terminating your lease.
3. How quickly must my landlord address a pest infestation?
   Colorado law requires landlords to begin remediation within 24–96 hours after receiving your written notice, depending on the severity and nature of the issue.
4. What official forms should I submit for pest problems?
   Use the Habitability and Repairs Notice to Landlord for official documentation. If unresolved, file a code enforcement complaint using your city or county's form.
5. Where can I get legal help for ongoing pest issues?
   Colorado Legal Services and your local Colorado County Court can help with rental disputes, including unresolved pest infestations.

Summary and Key Takeaways for Renters

• Colorado law protects renters against pest-related health and safety hazards.
• Submit documentation and use the proper forms to start the process with your landlord.
• If your landlord doesn't resolve the problem, escalate to local authorities or Colorado County Court.

Being proactive and informed is the best way to resolve pest issues—and maintain a safe, healthy home in Colorado.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Division of Housing: Guides and resources for tenant–landlord disputes.
• Official Housing Forms (habitability and repairs)
• Find Your Local Code Enforcement Office
• Colorado County Courts (for landlord–tenant cases)
• Colorado Legal Services: Free and low-cost legal help for renters

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1. Colorado Residential Tenants Health and Safety Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-503 et seq.)
2. Colorado County Courts – Landlord/Tenant Dispute Resolution

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