Key Points
- Several tenant and landlord bills were proposed during Colorado's 2026 legislative session, but a few of the most impactful proposals did NOT pass.
- Most of the approved legislation is viewed as clarifying or refining existing requirements rather than creating major new restrictions.
- Property owners should continue monitoring legislative activity, as unsuccessful bills are often revised and reintroduced in future sessions.
Colorado's 2026 Legislative Session
Colorado's 2026 legislative session has officially concluded, bringing several housing-related bills that affect both tenants and real estate investors.
In recent years, Colorado landlords and tenants have experienced significant legislative changes that have reshaped the rental housing industry. Compared to prior sessions, however, 2026 was considerably more balanced. Fewer housing bills were introduced, and many of the more controversial proposals did not advance.
It is also important to pay attention to bills that failed. Legislative proposals are often reintroduced in future sessions after being revised or modified. As a result, unsuccessful bills can provide insight into issues that may resurface in 2027 and beyond.
Below is an overview of several of the most notable housing-related bills from the 2026 session.
Bills That Did Not Pass
HB26-1106: Eviction Protection for Tenants
One of the most closely watched bills of the session was HB26-1106, which proposed significant changes to Colorado's eviction process.
Among other provisions, the bill would have:
- Limited the number of eviction cases courts could hear each day
- Required some eviction cases to be tried before a jury
- Allowed some finalized eviction judgments to be vacated and retried under specific circumstances
- Prohibited evictions during inclement forecasted weather
Supporters argued the bill would provide additional tenant protections. Opponents believed it would significantly slow the eviction process and create additional procedural complexity. The bill did not pass.
HB26-1047: Tenant Protections - Eviction Delays
Another proposal that did not pass was HB26-1047.
The bill would have required landlords to:
- Post a copy of the lease agreement alongside certain demand notices
- Provide all tenant records during eviction filings
- Keep eviction records suppressed
Like HB26-1060, this bill focused largely on eviction procedures and tenant protections but ultimately failed to advance.
HB26-1036: Vacancy Tax
HB26-1036 would have allowed local municipalities to impose additional taxes on vacant residential properties.
The proposal generated significant discussion among property owners and investors but ultimately did not pass.
Bills That Passed
HB26-1045: Housing Protections for Tenants with Disabilities
This bill codifies existing federal requirements related to emotional support animals (ESAs) and assistance animals into Colorado law.
The legislation does not significantly change the existing process but provides additional clarity and consistency regarding how landlords must evaluate tenant accommodation and modification disability requests.
This law became effective immediately upon the governor's signature 7/12/26.
HB26-1013: Ratio Utility Billing System (RUBS)
This legislation primarily affects multifamily housing providers that utilize ratio utility billing systems.
This bill was passed to address problems that were created by previous legislation passed last year which restricted common utility billing practices. The new law largely serves as a correction to the earlier statute and restores greater clarity for multifamily operators.
This law took effect immediately.
HB26-1196: Tenant Data Information / Screening & Eviction Data Protections
HB26-1196 introduces additional disclosure requirements during the rental application process.
- Housing providers must disclose what company (or whom) is performing the applicant screening process and what specific information will be accessed and utilized
- The bill also provides additional protections for tenant information when Colorado housing providers file legal evictions
The law takes effect January 1, 2027.
HB26-054: Security Deposit Exception for Post-Closing Occupancy Agreement
This bill addresses situations where a home seller remains in the property after closing under a post-closing occupancy agreement.
The legislation clarifies that the security deposit amount charged in a post closing lease is no longer limited to a maximum of two months rent.
The law became effective immediately.
HB26-1224: Mobile Home Park Financial Protections
This legislation impacts owners and operators of mobile home parks.
The bill adds new disclosure requirements to mobile home park residents, from landlords when increasing rent or selling the property.
This is effective as of January 1, 2027.
HB26-1007: Portable Solar Device Restrictions Affecting HOAs and Housing Providers
Beginning January 1, 2027, HOAs and housing providers must allow tenants to use and install portable solar devices.
The law requires housing providers to allow qualifying installations under specific circumstances. Questions remain regarding liability and responsibility for property damage associated with these devices, and additional guidance may emerge as the law is implemented.
Looking Ahead
Overall, Colorado's 2026 legislative session was considerably quieter than recent years for housing providers and tenants. While several new laws were approved, most focus on clarifying existing requirements rather than introducing sweeping changes.
At the same time, several significant proposals related to evictions and rental regulations failed to advance. Because many unsuccessful bills are revised and reintroduced in future sessions, both landlords and tenants should continue monitoring legislative developments heading into 2027.
At Grace Property Management, we believe that when property management is performed with integrity and transparency, both tenants and landlords benefit. Property management is not just our business - it is a relationship between us, our owner-clients, and our tenant-residents.
If these are important to you, we may be a good fit to provide you, your property, and your tenant-resident with our full-service property management services.
Feel free to reach out to us for assistance.
Marc Cunningham and the Grace Management & Real Estate team
Serving real estate investors and residents since 1978.
www.RentGrace.com
303-255-1990
