Colorado Renters’ Rights: Mold, Repairs, and Landlord Duties

Mold in a rental can seriously affect your health and comfort—especially in Colorado's variable climate. If you're renting in Colorado and notice mold, it's important to know your rights and how to get the problem addressed by your landlord. This guide explains Colorado tenant protections around mold, landlord obligations, and simple steps you can take to document, report, and resolve mold-related maintenance and repair issues.

Does Colorado Law Address Mold in Rentals?

Colorado's housing laws require landlords to provide safe, habitable homes—including addressing problems like water damage and mold. While the law does not list "mold" specifically, landlords must follow the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 – Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and repair problems that could harm your health or safety, which includes issues that may lead to or result from mold^[1].

What Makes a Rental Unit Habitable?

• Functioning plumbing, heating, and electrical systems
• No water leaks, severe moisture, or standing water
• Clean, safe floors, walls, and ceilings, free of big holes or major mold growth
• Effective weather protection (roofs, windows, doors) to keep rain and snow out

If mold is caused by water leaks, lack of repairs, or unaddressed weather damage, your landlord must act to correct the problem.

What Should Renters Do If They Find Mold?

If you notice mold or excessive moisture:

• Document the mold (photos or video, date noted)
• Write a clear letter or email to your landlord/property manager with details about the mold, location, and request for repair
• Keep copies of all communications
• Allow your landlord reasonable time (typically up to 24 hours for emergencies or 96 hours for habitability issues) to respond

Which Official Forms and Notices Should I Use?

• Colorado 7-Day Notice to Cure for Habitability Problems
  When to use: If your landlord does not repair a habitability issue like severe mold after you notify them in writing, you may give a formal 7-Day Notice to Cure. This form lets your landlord know they have 7 days to fix the problem or you may terminate the lease.
  Example: A renter discovers severe mold from a persistent roof leak, notifies their landlord, but nothing is done. The renter may serve the Colorado 7-Day Notice to Cure to demand repairs.
  Official source: Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Landlord-Tenant

After issuing the notice, if repairs are still not made, you may have legal grounds to:

• End your lease early without penalty
• File a complaint or take legal action

Who Handles Tenant-Landlord Disputes in Colorado?

While Colorado does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal, disputes are handled in Colorado State Courts. You may need to file in Small Claims or County Court depending on your situation. The Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Landlord-Tenant Division provides guidance, resources, and official forms.

Step-By-Step: What to Do About Mold in a Colorado Rental

Addressing mold can feel overwhelming, but you have clear rights and remedies under Colorado law.

• Act quickly: Mold grows fast, so notify your landlord in writing as soon as you spot a problem.
• Use the right form: If informal requests don’t work, complete and deliver a 7-Day Notice to Cure.
• Get help if needed: If your landlord refuses to act, contact local public health or legal aid services.

FAQ: Colorado Renters & Mold Problems

1. What are my rights if my Colorado rental has mold?
   Colorado law requires landlords to fix habitability issues. If mold impacts your health or the livability of your unit, your landlord must act once notified.
2. How soon must a landlord fix mold problems?
   Landlords typically have up to 96 hours (4 days) to address non-emergency habitability problems once notified in writing.
3. Can I withhold rent if my landlord doesn’t fix mold?
   Colorado law doesn’t let renters simply stop paying rent for mold, but you may use the 7-Day Notice to Cure and, if the issue is not fixed, end your lease early. Legal advice is recommended before withholding rent.
4. What official notice do I give for mold-related repairs?
   Use the Colorado 7-Day Notice to Cure for Habitability Problems to formally demand repairs.
5. Who can I contact if my landlord refuses to fix mold?
   Contact the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Landlord-Tenant Office for resources or seek legal aid. In severe cases, you may file a claim in Colorado State Court.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• Colorado requires safe, habitable rentals—addressing mold is part of this responsibility.
• Always notify your landlord in writing and use the official 7-Day Notice to Cure if needed.
• Keep detailed records and seek government or legal support when issues go unresolved.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Landlord-Tenant: Official forms, guides, and habitability help.
• Colorado State Courts: For filing legal claims or disputes.
• Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment: Mold and rental health information.
• Colorado Legal Services: Free or low-cost legal aid for renters.

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 – Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (2023)
2. Colorado 7-Day Notice to Cure for Habitability Problems (Official Form)
3. Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Landlord-Tenant Office

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