SIGNED! Vigil and Weissman Bill to Save Renters Money

DENVER, CO – Governor Polis today signed legislation that will save Coloradans money on rental applications.

“As any renter will tell you, application fees add up quickly when you’re shopping around for your next place to call home,” said Rep. Stephanie Vigil, D-Colorado Springs. “Our law allows rental applicants to pay an application fee just one time and then opt to share that information with multiple landlords. We’re breaking down barriers to securing housing, saving Coloradans money, and most importantly, lifting up renters across our state.” 

“Coloradans shouldn’t have to shell out hundreds of dollars on rental applications – and now they don’t have to,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “Renters sometimes apply for dozens of housing options at once so they can secure a place to live, and each time they pay around a $40 rental application fee. This law permits renters to reuse application documents when applying for housing which will save Coloradans money and make our state’s rental process more equitable in the process.” 

HB23-1099 builds off the Rental Application Fairness Act that was passed by Colorado Democrats in 2019 by allowing prospective renters to reuse a rental application for up to 30 days without paying additional fees. It also minimizes the number of times a credit score is pulled, protecting a potential renter’s credit score from being continuously damaged from credit score inquiries. 

Under this law, a landlord must return an application to a potential tenant to reuse if the application is denied and provide a notice of the applicant’s right to dispute the accuracy of the report. All rental reports, credit history, and criminal record documents must come from verified consumer reporting agencies to be eligible for reuse.