Internet Responsibilities for Renters in Colorado Apartments

If you rent an apartment in Colorado, you may wonder who's responsible for setting up, paying for, or maintaining internet service. With internet access now essential for work, school, and daily life, it's important to understand your rights and responsibilities, and what your landlord can or cannot require regarding internet in your home. This article explains Colorado rules for internet in rentals, what you can expect in your lease, and where to get help if issues arise.

Who Provides and Pays for Internet Service?

The majority of leases in Colorado put the responsibility for internet service on the tenant, unless otherwise stated. This means:

• Tenants usually must set up their own internet and pay the monthly bill.
• A landlord may choose to provide internet as an amenity and include it in your rent—if so, this should be clearly outlined in your lease.
• Some apartment buildings have exclusive contracts with specific internet service providers (ISPs). In such cases, your choice might be limited to the provider selected by the landlord.

What Your Lease Should Say

Always check your lease agreement to see what it specifies about utilities and services. Look for:

• Who is responsible for setting up and paying for internet
• If internet is included as part of your rent or as a separate charge
• Whether the landlord restricts which companies you can use

If the lease is silent on internet, the default is that you, the renter, arrange your own service.

Landlord Requirements and Tenant Rights

Landlords in Colorado are not legally required to provide internet in apartment units. However, if internet is offered in your lease, Colorado rental laws protect your right to that service for the term of your agreement.

• If your lease promises high-speed internet, and your landlord fails to provide it or removes the service partway through your tenancy, you can request the amenity be restored or ask for a rent reduction.
• If the internet was included and suddenly stops, document the situation and notify your landlord in writing.

Service Interruptions and Disputes

If problems arise with a landlord-provided internet service and your landlord is not responsive, document all communications. You can:

• Send a Written Notice of Issue (no specific state form required—see below for how to do this)
• Seek mediation or file a complaint with a local housing authority if the issue remains unresolved

How to Notify Your Landlord About Internet Issues

Colorado does not have a state-issued required form for notifying landlords about amenity problems such as internet outages. However, you should send a Written Notice to Landlord that includes:

• Your name, address, and unit number
• Date of the notice
• Description of the internet problem and when it began
• A request for resolution and a reasonable deadline

Example: If your lease states internet must be included and the connection goes out for a week, send this notice via mail or email—keep a copy for your records.

Official Forms and Steps for Further Action

• State of Colorado Complaint Form: While there is no state-wide complaint form specifically for internet in rentals, you may use the Housing Complaint Form with the Colorado Division of Housing to report habitability or amenity issues that aren't resolved.
• In case of financial disputes over internet service charges, small claims may be brought before the local county court. Information and forms for small claims are found on the Colorado Judicial Branch – Housing and Small Claims Forms page.

Relevant Colorado Law and Tribunal

For landlord-tenant matters, including disputes over amenities:

• The Colorado Division of Housing (Landlord-Tenant Services) oversees rental issues across the state.
• Relevant legislation includes the Colorado Warranty of Habitability Law (HB19-1170) and Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38 – Property – Real and Personal.

While the Warranty of Habitability does not require internet, it does ensure your rental remains safe and livable. Internet is considered an amenity, not a basic habitability requirement.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is my landlord required to provide internet service in Colorado?
   No, Colorado law does not require landlords to provide internet, unless your lease specifically promises it.
2. What if the internet is included in my rent but stops working?
   Notify your landlord in writing. If unresolved, use the Colorado Division of Housing's complaint form to seek assistance.
3. Can my landlord limit which internet provider I use?
   Yes, if the building has an exclusive contract with an ISP. This should be stated in your lease.
4. What official form should I use to report unresolved internet issues?
   While there is no internet-specific form, use the Housing Complaint Form for unresolved service or amenity problems.
5. Who handles rental disputes about amenities in Colorado?
   The Colorado Division of Housing is the main resource for rental disputes, including internet service issues.

Key Takeaways

• Colorado renters are usually responsible for internet unless the lease says otherwise.
• Always check your lease and keep all documentation about internet services.
• If you have unresolved internet service issues promised in your lease, contact the Colorado Division of Housing for support.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Division of Housing – Landlord-Tenant Information
• Colorado Division of Housing – File a Complaint
• Colorado Judicial Branch – Self-Help for Tenants
• Colorado Warranty of Habitability Law (HB19-1170)

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1. Colorado Warranty of Habitability Law (HB19-1170)
2. Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38 – Property – Real and Personal
3. Colorado Division of Housing – Landlord-Tenant Services
4. Colorado Division of Housing – Complaint Form

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