How to File a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Colorado

Facing housing discrimination can feel overwhelming, but Colorado renters have strong legal protections and clear steps to take action. Understanding how to file a housing discrimination complaint in Colorado can help you assert your rights and seek a fair solution. This guide will show you how to recognize discrimination, explain your legal protections, and walk you through the process of filing an official complaint, with all the resources you need along the way.

Understanding Housing Discrimination in Colorado

Housing discrimination means a landlord or housing provider treats you unfairly because of a protected characteristic. In Colorado, it's illegal to discriminate due to:

• Race, color, or national origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity, sexual orientation)
• Disability
• Familial status (such as having children)
• Marital status, creed, ancestry
• Source of income (including housing vouchers)

Both state and federal laws protect renters from discrimination and provide routes for complaints and remedies.
For details, you can review Colorado's Fair Housing Laws and the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) housing rights page for complete information.

Who Handles Housing Discrimination Complaints in Colorado?

Statewide, the Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) is responsible for enforcing fair housing laws and handling official complaints. The CCRD investigates discrimination cases and works with federal agencies like the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) if a complaint also qualifies under federal law.

When and How to File a Complaint

If you believe your landlord, property manager, or any housing provider has discriminated against you, you can file a complaint with the CCRD. Examples include being denied a rental unit after disclosing a disability or refusal to accept a housing voucher.

Key Official Forms

• Colorado Civil Rights Division Housing Discrimination Intake Questionnaire:
  Housing Intake Questionnaire (PDF)
  When and How Used: This form helps the CCRD screen your case. Submit this form first if you believe you've experienced housing discrimination. For example, if you were denied housing because of your race or family status, fill out this questionnaire and submit it to start the complaint process.
• Official CCRD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form:
  (The CCRD prepares a formal complaint after reviewing your intake questionnaire. You may be asked to sign a formal statement summarizing your allegations, prepared by an investigator.)
• Alternative Filing – U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Form 903:
  HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903
  When and How Used: If your discrimination issue falls under federal law, you can file directly with HUD. You might use this if you want the federal agency to investigate or if more than one state is involved.

Steps to File a Complaint in Colorado

Filing a complaint is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step to ensure your case is handled fairly. Here are the main steps:

• Complete the CCRD Housing Intake Questionnaire.
• Submit the questionnaire to the Colorado Civil Rights Division in person, by email, mail, or fax.
• The CCRD will review your submission. If your claim falls under state or federal fair housing law, they’ll draft a formal complaint for your signature.
• Once the signed complaint is received, the CCRD will notify the alleged discriminating party and begin an investigation.
• You may be offered mediation, and your case could be resolved without a hearing if both sides agree.
• If the CCRD finds evidence of discrimination, they can order remedies, including compensation, access to housing, or policy changes.

Be sure to keep copies of emails, letters, or any evidence related to your case. There are also specific time limits: you must file within one year of the discriminatory act under Colorado law.

What Happens After Filing?

After your complaint is filed, the CCRD investigates and may arrange mediation to resolve the issue. If the investigation finds probable cause, your case may proceed to a public hearing before the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which can order solutions or penalties.

Relevant Colorado Fair Housing Laws

• Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), C.R.S. § 24-34-501 et seq.: Main state law for housing discrimination.
• Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)

FAQ: Filing a Housing Discrimination Complaint in Colorado

1. What is the time limit for filing a housing discrimination complaint in Colorado?
   Generally, you must file within one year of the alleged discrimination for state complaints. For federal complaints with HUD, the deadline is also one year.
2. Does filing a complaint cost money?
   No, there are no fees for filing a fair housing complaint with the CCRD or HUD.
3. Can I file a complaint if I no longer live at the property?
   Yes, you can still file if the discrimination happened while you were a tenant or during the rental application process, as long as you're within the one-year time period.
4. Will my landlord find out?
   Your landlord or property manager will be notified as part of the investigation process, but retaliation against you is illegal under Colorado law.
5. Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint?
   No, you do not need a lawyer to file, but you may consult one for advice. Colorado Civil Rights Division and local renter organizations can offer support.

Key Takeaways for Renters

• You have the right to fair and equal housing in Colorado.
• Complaints can be filed easily and for free through the CCRD or HUD.
• Keep clear records and act within the one-year deadline to protect your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) – File, track, or get help with housing complaints (Phone: 303-894-2997)
• HUD Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint Portal
• Colorado Housing Connects – Free housing help line: 1-844-926-6632
• Colorado Legal Services – Free or low-cost legal help for renters
• Review the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and Federal Fair Housing Act.

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1. [1] Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) Official Site
2. [2] Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA), C.R.S. § 24-34-501 et seq.
3. [3] HUD Housing Discrimination Complaint Form 903
4. [4] Federal Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. §§ 3601-3619)
5. [5] Colorado Housing Connects

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