Protected Classes: Your Fair Housing Rights in Colorado

Understanding your rights as a renter in Colorado is key to ensuring fair treatment during your housing search and tenancy. This article explores how Colorado fair housing laws protect renters from discrimination and provides guidance on what steps to take if you feel your rights have been violated.

Who Is Protected Under Colorado Fair Housing Law?

Both state and federal laws make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against certain groups—called protected classes—when renting, selling, or advertising housing.

Protected Classes Under Federal Law

• Race
• Color
• National Origin
• Religion
• Sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation)
• Familial status (e.g., presence of children)
• Disability

The federal Fair Housing Act protects all of the above groups across the United States. You can find more information at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Protected Classes page.

Colorado State-Level Protections

Colorado law expands these protections to cover additional groups. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-34-502, housing discrimination is also prohibited on the basis of:

• Sexual orientation
• Gender identity
• Marital status
• Creed
• Veteran or military status
• Ancestry
• Source of income (such as Section 8 vouchers)

Colorado goes further than federal law: for example, it is illegal in Colorado to deny housing to someone because they pay rent with a government subsidy or are in the military.

Recognizing Housing Discrimination

Housing discrimination can be obvious or subtle. It often includes:

• Denying a rental application because of your race, disability, or other protected characteristic
• Advertising that discourages families with children
• Charging different rent or deposit amounts based on protected status
• Refusing to accommodate a reasonable modification for a disability

How to Report Housing Discrimination in Colorado

Colorado renters can file complaints with either the state or federal agency responsible for enforcing fair housing laws.

1. File a Complaint with Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)

The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) investigates housing complaints statewide. This is the official tribunal handling residential fair housing disputes in Colorado.

• Form Name: Housing Discrimination Complaint Form
• When to use: If you believe a landlord, agent, or property manager has discriminated against you because you are in a protected class.
• How to use: Fill out the form and submit it online or in person. Attach supporting documents like texts, emails, and rental applications.
• Colorado CCRD Complaint Process & Housing Discrimination Form

2. File a Complaint with HUD

• Form Name: HUD Form 903 Online Complaint
• When to use: If you wish to file a federal complaint or want HUD to investigate.
• How to use: File online, by mail, or by phone. Once filed, HUD or a partner agency will investigate and may contact you for more details.
• File a Fair Housing Discrimination Complaint with HUD

Complaints can also be accepted in languages other than English. You generally need to file within one year of the alleged discrimination.

What Happens After a Complaint?

After you file, the CCRD or HUD will review your complaint, investigate, and may host mediation. They could order the landlord to change their actions, pay damages, or restore you to your apartment if discrimination is found.

Remember, simply filing a complaint does not affect your right to stay in your rental, and retaliation by the landlord is illegal under Colorado law.

FAQ: Colorado Fair Housing Protections

1. Which forms of income must Colorado landlords accept?
   Colorado law requires landlords to consider all legal sources of income, including government assistance, disability payments, and housing vouchers, as part of your rental application.
2. Am I protected if I have children?
   Yes. "Familial status" protects renters who are pregnant or have children under 18 living with them, and landlords cannot refuse to rent to families with children.
3. Is discrimination based on disability allowed if the building is older?
   No. Regardless of building age, Colorado law requires landlords to provide reasonable accommodations or modifications for renters with disabilities unless it causes undue hardship.
4. Do I need a lawyer to file a discrimination complaint?
   No. You do not need a lawyer to file with CCRD or HUD, but you may seek one for guidance. Colorado's agencies are designed to help renters through the process.
5. Can my landlord retaliate if I file a complaint?
   No. Both federal and Colorado laws strictly prohibit landlord retaliation for exercising your fair housing rights.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Both federal and Colorado laws protect renters from discrimination based on race, sex, disability, source of income, and more.
• If you believe you've been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint with CCRD or HUD.
• Fair housing protections apply throughout Colorado, covering a wide range of rental situations.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) – Main agency for housing discrimination complaints and inquiries
• CCRD: How to File a Complaint
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Fair Housing Resources
• Colorado General Assembly: Housing Legislation

---

1. Colorado Revised Statutes § 24-34-502: Discrimination in housing—prohibited
2. Federal Fair Housing Act Overview (HUD)
3. Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) – Official Portal

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations