For Colorado renters: your fee rights since 2026

Colorado's HB25-1090 took effect on January 1, 2026. It changes what a rental ad must show and which fees a landlord can require.

Last reviewed November 1, 2026 against Colorado HB25-1090 (C.R.S. 6-1-737) and the sources below · How we check facts

What you should see

• One Total Price in the ad and the lease, including every fee you must pay, shown more prominently than any other price. Utility usage can be listed separately.
• Optional charges listed separately, with what they pay for, who receives the money and whether they are refundable.

Fees a landlord cannot require

• Common area maintenance (CAM) fees.
• Fees that cover the landlord's property taxes.
• Fees for repairs the landlord must make to keep the home habitable.
• Fees for services you do not actually get.
• Late fees on anything other than rent, such as utilities.
• Fee increases of more than 2% during a lease of a year or less (utilities excepted).
• Payment processing fees, unless there is also a free way to pay.

Limits to know

• Late fee on rent: at most the greater of $50 or 5% of past-due rent, only after 7 days.
• Utility bill-backs: actual cost plus at most 2% or $10 a month.
• Application fee: none if you provide a portable screening report from the last 30 days.

What you can do

1. Compare the ad, the lease and your ledger.
2. Ask the landlord in writing to remove or refund a banned charge.
3. Violations are deceptive trade practices under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. You can file a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General or contact a tenant attorney or legal aid group.

Check a specific fee · En español · Not legal advice.

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