Can a Colorado landlord charge an application fee?
For Colorado residential leases signed, renewed or amended on or after January 1, 2026 (HB25-1090, C.R.S. 6-1-737).
Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against Colorado HB25-1090 (C.R.S. 6-1-737) and the sources below · How we check facts
Only within limits
Allowed only within the limits below.
What the law says
Must cover screening costs. No application fee may be charged to an applicant who provides a portable tenant screening report prepared within the last 30 days.
How to show it
If tenants can avoid it, disclose it separately: what it pays for, who receives the money and whether it is refundable. Example wording:
Application fee: $45 per adult to cover screening costs. No fee if you give us a portable screening report from the last 30 days.
For renters
If a required fee was left out of the advertised Total Price, ask the landlord about it in writing. Colorado renter guide.
Check every fee at once and get the price to advertise: Total Price calculator.
Frequently asked questions
Can a Colorado landlord charge an application fee?
Only within limits. Must cover screening costs. No application fee may be charged to an applicant who provides a portable tenant screening report prepared within the last 30 days.
Does an application fee have to be in the Colorado Total Price?
Not if tenants can avoid it. Optional charges are disclosed separately, with what they pay for, who receives the money and whether they are refundable.
Related
Not legal advice. Confirm your lease with an Illinois attorney.