Effective Date: January 1st, 2024
Key points:
Prohibition on Breed-Based Insurance Discrimination: Insurers cannot deny, cancel, or increase premiums for homeowner's or dwelling fire insurance policies based solely on the breed or mix of breeds of a dog residing at the property. However, insurers may take such actions if a specific dog is known to be dangerous or has been legally declared dangerous.
Handling of Pets During Evictions: When executing a writ of restitution (eviction), officers are required to inspect the premises for pet animals. If the tenant is present, pets must be returned to them. If absent, the officer must contact local animal control to take custody of the pets, ensuring they are not left unattended on the property.
Limits on Pet-Related Fees: Landlords are restricted in the amounts they can charge for pet-related fees:
Pet Security Deposits: Capped at $300 per pet, and these deposits must be refundable.
Pet Rent: Limited to the greater of $35 per month or 1.5% of the monthly rent per pet.
Pet-Friendly Landlord Damage Mitigation Program: The bill establishes a program administered by the Department of Local Affairs to reimburse landlords for actual damages caused by pets, up to $1,000. This program encourages landlords to adopt pet-friendly policies by mitigating potential financial risks.
Exclusion of Pets from Personal Property Liens: Landlords are prohibited from placing liens on a tenant's pet animals for unpaid rent or other charges, ensuring pets are not used as collateral in disputes.
Affordable Housing Tax Credit Conditions: The allocation of the Colorado affordable housing tax credit is contingent upon allowing tenants to keep pet animals in their residences. While reasonable conditions may be imposed, prohibitions on specific breeds or weight restrictions are not considered reasonable.
This legislation aims to balance the interests of pet-owning tenants with those of landlords, promoting fair and reasonable pet policies in housing across Colorado.
