Starting January 1, 2026 Colorado will put new rules in place that change how landlords can charge fees. These changes are often called the ban on “junk fees.” The purpose of the law is to make renting more transparent by requiring landlords to clearly disclose costs and by stopping unfair or misleading charges.
For years, renters have complained that the price they saw advertised was not the price they ended up paying. Extra fees for utilities, payments, or basic maintenance were often added later. Colorado lawmakers passed this law to make sure renters understand the real cost of housing before signing a lease and to prevent landlords from passing along costs they are already required to cover.
What the New Law Requires From Landlords
Under the new rules, landlords must clearly disclose the full cost of renting a property. This means tenants should be able to look at a lease or listing and understand what they will actually pay each month, not just the base rent. Required fees cannot be hidden or vaguely described, and landlords cannot surprise tenants with charges that were not clearly explained upfront.
The law also limits the types of fees landlords are allowed to charge. Any fee must be reasonable and connected to a real service or expense. If a fee does not reflect an actual cost, or if it shifts a legal responsibility from the landlord to the tenant, it may violate Colorado law.
Fees Colorado Landlords Can No Longer Charge
The new law limits several common landlord fees. Utility charges can no longer exceed the actual utility bill, whether costs are split among tenants or billed individually. Landlords also cannot charge processing or convenience fees for online rent payments if that is the only payment option offered. In addition, fees are prohibited for services landlords are already legally required to provide, including routine maintenance, upkeep of common areas, and basic legal or administrative obligations. These costs are now clearly the landlord’s responsibility and cannot be passed on to tenants as extra charges.
What This Means for Tenants Renting in Colorado
For tenants, the new law provides more clarity and protection. Renters should have a better understanding of what they are agreeing to pay before they sign a lease. If new or unclear fees appear after move-in, tenants may have grounds to question them.
Tenants should carefully review their lease agreements and monthly statements. If a fee seems excessive, unexplained, or unrelated to a real service, it may not be allowed. Keeping records, such as copies of the lease and billing statements, can be helpful if a dispute arises.
What This Means for Landlords Operating in Colorado
Landlords need to review their leases, listings, and billing practices to make sure they comply with the new rules. Fees that were common in the past may now be prohibited. Updating lease language and clearly explaining charges can help prevent disputes and legal problems.
Failing to follow the law can expose landlords to tenant complaints and potential legal action. Taking steps now to understand and comply with the new requirements can reduce risk and protect long-term investments.
When Landlord–Tenant Disputes May Arise
As this law takes effect, disputes may occur over utility charges, maintenance fees, or payment methods. Many of these conflicts come down to unclear lease language or outdated fee policies. Addressing issues early and seeking legal guidance when needed can prevent small problems from becoming serious disputes.
Getting Legal Help With Colorado Landlord–Tenant Issues
Landlord–tenant law in Colorado continues to change, and even small mistakes can lead to disputes, fines, or legal action. Working with an experienced landlord–tenant lawyer can help tenants understand their rights and help landlords stay compliant with state and local laws. Baker Law Group, PLLC assists landlords and tenants with lease disputes, fee issues, compliance questions, and enforcement of legal obligations. Clear legal guidance can prevent problems before they start and make the rental relationship smoother for everyone involved. Contact us today!
