Greeley Tenant Lawyers
Protect Your Rights as a Renter in Colorado
As a tenant in Colorado, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial when renting or leasing a property. Unfortunately, instances may arise where landlords go beyond the boundaries of the law or try to take advantage of you.
That's where Peek Goldstone, LLC can be of significant help: to provide you with the legal advice and the support you need to navigate tenant-landlord disputes confidently. We are committed to serving the communities in our area, including Greeley, Erie, and the counties of Wald and Boulder.
Find out how we can help by consulting an Erie and Greeley tenant attorney. Send us your contact information online or call us at (970) 352-8611 to make an appointment today.
Know Your Tenant Rights & Responsibilities in Colorado
The old maxim that knowledge is power is particularly relevant in matters concerning your rights, such as those related to you as a tenant or lessee in Colorado. At our firm, we want to empower you with the information necessary to protect your rights as a renter. Understanding your tenant rights and responsibilities can help you avoid disputes and legal battles that can be stressful, time-consuming, and expensive.
Here are some fundamental rights and responsibilities you should be aware of:
- Right to a Habitable Property: As a tenant, you have the right to live in a safe and habitable property. Landlords are responsible for maintaining essential services such as heating, plumbing, and electricity.
- Right to Privacy: Your landlord cannot enter your rental unit without prior notice or a valid reason, except in emergencies.
- Right to Security Deposit: When you move out, you have the right to receive your security deposit back within a reasonable timeframe, along with an itemized list of any deductions.
- Limits on Rent Increases: In Colorado, landlords cannot raise your rent during your lease or rental term. This is only allowed if written into your lease or rental agreement. Even if it is, they can’t raise your rent more than once in 12 months.
- Late Fees: Landlords can only charge late fees on delinquent rent payments at least seven days past the due date. They are also limited in how much they can charge and are restricted in other aspects, such as starting an eviction due to an unpaid late fee.
- Protection against Retaliation: Landlords are prohibited from retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights, such as filing a complaint or reporting code violations.
Colorado Warranty of Habitability
The Warranty of Habitability is a crucial aspect of Colorado tenant/landlord law. According to Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-503, every rental agreement implies that the landlord warrants that the residential premises are fit for human habitation. This means landlords are responsible for maintaining safety and health standards in their rental properties.
If an uninhabitable condition exists, tenants must provide written notice to their landlord. The landlord is then required to remedy the condition within five days. Failing that, tenants can generally end their tenancy and relocate between 10 to 30 days afterward.
If a landlord breaches the Warranty of Habitability, tenants can also seek injunctive relief through the country or district court under Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-507.
Finally, when a habitability warranty has been breached, you can deduct your expenses in making the necessary repairs as a tenant. However, this can only be done when you have given the landlord proper notice.
Tenants must know their rights and responsibilities under the Warranty of Habitability. By understanding this aspect of Colorado tenant/landlord law, tenants can take appropriate action if their living conditions are compromised.
Tenant Action: What Can You Do?
You should adhere to your rental or lease requirements to maintain a positive relationship with your landlord. These include paying rent on time, keeping the property clean and free of waste, respecting your neighbor tenants, and keeping your unit in good overall condition.
However, it's essential to take the correct action when faced with a landlord who violates your rights, is unreasonable, or tries to take advantage of you. You should document everything, from interactions to repairs you make, and communicate in writing to create a clear record and paper trail.
If the situation becomes too complex or contentious, seek legal advice from our experienced team. In some cases, legal action may be necessary to protect your rights. At Peek Goldstone, LLC, we offer comprehensive support, including representation in civil court, to help you navigate the legal process effectively.
Call (970) 352-8611 for a case review with an Erie and Greeley tenant lawyer today.
