Colorado Rental Application Overview
Colorado has become more tenant-protective in recent years with the addition of source of income protections. While application fees are not capped, landlords must comply with broad fair housing protections and cannot discriminate based on voucher use.
Colorado does not cap rental application fees at the state level. Landlords can charge reasonable fees to cover screening costs. However, the landlord should be transparent about what the fee covers. Most Colorado landlords charge between $30 and $75 per applicant.
No state cap
Max application fee
Yes, with written co
Credit check
No statewide restric
Criminal bg check
2.5-3x monthly rent
Income requirement
Colorado Tenant Screening Laws
Application Fee Rules
Colorado does not cap rental application fees at the state level. Landlords can charge reasonable fees to cover screening costs. However, the landlord should be transparent about what the fee covers. Most Colorado landlords charge between $30 and $75 per applicant.
Criminal Background Check Rules
Colorado does not have a statewide ban-the-box law for housing. However, some local jurisdictions may have ordinances restricting criminal history inquiries. Denver and Boulder have discussed or enacted certain tenant protections. Landlords statewide should follow HUD guidance on disparate impact.
Credit Check Requirements
Colorado landlords can run credit checks with written consent under the FCRA. No additional state restrictions apply beyond federal requirements. Adverse action notices must be provided when denying based on credit information.
Fair Housing Protections
Colorado's Anti-Discrimination Act (CADA) provides broader fair housing protections than the federal Fair Housing Act. The state recently added source of income as a protected class, prohibiting landlords from discriminating against applicants who use Housing Choice Vouchers or other government assistance. Colorado also protects sexual orientation, gender identity, and marital status.
Source of Income Protection
Colorado prohibits discrimination based on source of income. Landlords cannot reject applicants solely because their income comes from Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Social Security, disability benefits, child support, alimony, or other lawful income sources. Violations can result in fair housing complaints and penalties.
Colorado Screening Criteria
Colorado landlords typically evaluate the following criteria when reviewing rental applications. All screening must comply with federal and Colorado state fair housing laws.
- Credit Score: Most Colorado landlords look for a credit score of 620 or higher, though thresholds vary by property and market
- Income: Gross monthly income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent is the standard requirement
- Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords, no evictions, and a record of on-time rent payments
- Employment Verification: Stable employment or verifiable income sufficient to cover rent and living expenses
- Background Check: Subject to Colorado's restrictions on criminal history screening
How to Fill Out a Colorado Rental Application
Follow these steps to properly complete your Colorado rental application. Our template includes all sections required for Colorado-compliant tenant screening.
Provide Personal Information
Enter your full legal name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, email, and current address. Your SSN is required for the credit check and will be handled securely per Colorado data protection requirements.
Detail Your Rental History
List your current and previous addresses for the past 2-3 years, including landlord names and contact information, monthly rent, dates of tenancy, and reason for leaving. Colorado landlords will contact your previous landlords to verify this information.
Enter Employment and Income Details
Provide your employer's name, address, your position, length of employment, and gross monthly income. Include all income sources. Most Colorado landlords require income of at least 2.5-3x monthly rent.
Add References
Include 2-3 personal or professional references with their names, phone numbers, and your relationship. Let them know they may be contacted. Strong references can strengthen your application, especially if you have limited rental history.
Sign Authorization Forms
Review and sign the credit check authorization, background check consent, and FCRA disclosure. These are required by federal law before the landlord can access your consumer reports. The authorization is specific to this application and cannot be used for other purposes.
Submit with Supporting Documents
Attach copies of your photo ID, recent pay stubs, and any other requested documentation. Pay the application fee if required. Colorado does not cap application fees.
Colorado Rental Application Fees & Costs
Here's a breakdown of typical rental application costs in Colorado. Fees vary by landlord and screening service used.
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $30-$75 |
| Credit Check | $15-$40 (often included in application fee) |
| Background Check | $20-$50 (often included in application fee) |
| Refundable? | Typically non-refundable |
Sample Colorado Rental Application
Below is a preview of our Colorado-specific rental application. Your customized document will include all fields and disclosures required under Colorado law.
STATE OF COLORADO
RENTAL APPLICATION
Tenant Screening Form
APPLICANT INFORMATION
Name: [Legal Name]
Date of Birth: [DOB] SSN: [XXX-XX-XXXX]
Phone: [Phone] Email: [Email]
RENTAL HISTORY
Current Address: [Colorado Address]
Landlord: [Name] Rent: $[Amount]
EMPLOYMENT & INCOME
Employer: [Company]
Monthly Income: $[Amount]
AUTHORIZATION
I authorize the landlord to obtain my credit report, conduct a background check, and verify the information provided in this application in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Colorado state law...
Colorado Rental Application FAQ
Answers to common questions about rental applications, tenant screening, and landlord requirements in Colorado.
Official Colorado Resources
Use these official resources to learn more about Colorado tenant screening laws, fair housing requirements, and your rights as a landlord or tenant.
Colorado Civil Rights Division
Fair housing complaints and discrimination investigations
Colorado Division of Housing
Housing programs and tenant resources in Colorado
HUD Fair Housing & Equal Opportunity
Federal fair housing laws, complaints, and guidance
FTC Fair Credit Reporting Act
Federal credit reporting rights for tenants
Other Colorado Documents
Need other rental and lease documents for Colorado? We offer state-specific templates for every type of landlord-tenant document.
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