Colorado Bill Seeks To Ban Pet Rent Charges

A bill introduced in the Colorado legislature would prohibit landlords from charging pet rent or extra security deposits for pets.

A bill introduced in the Colorado legislature would prohibit landlords from charging pet rent or extra security deposits for pets.

The Pet Ownership In Housing bill, HB-23-1068, was introduced to the Colorado legislature on Jan. 19 and is sponsored by Rep. Alex Valdez.

In downtown Denver on a warm day, it’s nearly impossible to go a block without seeing an array of dogs walking with their owners. This new bill would tackle an issue that affects animal owners and their housing, according to kdvr.com.

Highlights of what the pet rent bill would do:

  • Prohibit restrictions on dog breeds for obtaining homeowner’s insurance
  • Provide for the manner in which pet animals are handled when a writ of restitution is executed
  • Prohibit security deposits or rent for pet animals
  • Create the pet friendly landlord damage mitigation program
  • Exclude pet animals from personal property liens

Insurance implications

The bill would also, “Prohibit insurers from denying a homeowner’s insurance policy based on the breed or mixture of breeds of dog that resides at the insured dwelling, while allowing denial if a specific individual dog is a dangerous dog. Insurers are also prohibited from asking or otherwise inquiring about the specific breed or mixture of breeds of dog kept at a dwelling except to ask if the dog is known to be or has been declared a dangerous dog.”

How any pet damage would be handled

The bill would also create the pet friendly landlord damage mitigation program to be administered by the department of local affairs, subject to availability of funding.

Under the program, a landlord may receive reimbursement for actual damage caused to a rental premises by a pet animal allowed to reside with the tenant up to $1,000. Reimbursements are granted on a first come, first served basis, and a landlord must provide documentation in support of the damages for which the landlord makes the claim of reimbursement.

The department has authority to promulgate rules to implement the program. A landlord who receives reimbursement under the program is prohibited from taking legal action against the tenant for the damages or from pursing collection against the tenant for the damages.

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