The Landlord-Tenant Handbook helps tenants and landlords navigate the rental process in Fort Collins. This handbook offers key information and links to City resources on rental requirements and data.
This webpage is not intended to provide legal advice. For matters requiring legal consultation, please see a licensed attorney.
Disclaimer: The Landlord-Tenant Handbook is not a legal document and should not be considered legal advice. It serves as a general guide to renting and property management in Fort Collins. For legal advice specific to your situation, consult an attorney. Information in this handbook may change over time. While we strive for accuracy, any errors are unintentional.
Determine Your Budget
Budget for extras like utilities, internet and renter's insurance. Ask the landlord about average utility costs. Set aside money for upfront expenses like security deposits, application fees and pet deposits to avoid surprises later.
Identify Your Needs
When searching for an apartment, separate your needs from your wants. You might need two bedrooms and a pet-friendly space. Focus on your must-haves first to make your search easier. The nice-to-haves can guide your final decision.
Start Your Search
Finding the right rental takes good timing. Most apartments are listed 30 to 60 days before move-in. Starting your search early gives you the best chance to find a place you love. Use resources like apartment listing websites, property management sites and local social media groups to see all your options.
Watch Out for Rental Scams
Rental scams have become more common. Stay alert during your search. Be cautious of listings that seem too good to be true, like very-low rent for a high-quality unit. Never send money before seeing the unit, verifying the landlord and confirming the property is registered with the City of Fort Collins.
Looking at a Property
Before choosing a rental, tour the unit and check its quality. Use Fort Collins Minimum Standards to guide your inspection. Take a walk around the neighborhood. If possible, talk to a few neighbors to get a feel for the area. Never sign a lease without seeing the unit first.
Prepare Your Application
Have proof of income, references and an ID ready. Submit a complete application quickly in competitive markets. Consider using a portable tenant screening report if you are applying for multiple units to avoid processing fees.
Signing a Lease Agreement
Carefully review lease agreements before signing them. Consider bringing a lease agreement to a lawyer to review before signing. Confirm rent, lease length, deposit terms and maintenance responsibilities. Understand tenant rights and responsibilities in Fort Collins before signing.
Tip: In Colorado, there is no "grace period" to back out of a lease once it has been signed.
Register Your Rental and Know the Laws
Make sure your rental meets minimum standards and register your property with the City of Fort Collins. Understand state and local landlord-tenant laws including security deposit rules, lease requirements, eviction laws, application laws, required disclosures and more. Follow Fair Housing Laws to avoid discrimination in tenant selection.
Prepare Your Property for Renters
Complete necessary repairs and maintenance before listing. Make sure the unit meets safety and habitability standards including working plumbing, secure locks, windows that open and close, heating in winter, running hot water and working appliances.
Set a Competitive Rent Price
Setting a fair rental price is important for attracting good tenants and reducing vacancy periods. Research local rental market rates to make sure your price is competitive. Factor in extra costs like utilities, maintenance and periods of vacancy when setting your rent. Be open and transparent about any additional fees, such as pet fees, parking fees or security deposits. This way there are no surprises for potential renters.
Advertise Effectively
Good advertising is essential to minimizing vacancies. Consider listing your unit in multiple locations such as national apartment listing websites and local rental groups. Rental advertisements should include rent amount, lease terms and amenities, pet policies, parking options and move-in availability, and high quality photos to showcase the unit.
Screen Tenants Thoroughly
Use consistent screening criteria to ensure fairness. Consider being open to tenants who have poor credit or criminal backgrounds.
Use a Clear and Legally Sound Lease
Include key terms such as rent amount, due date and late fee policy, security deposit terms and refund process, maintenance responsibilities (landlord vs. tenant) and rules on pets, smoking and subleasing. Provide a copy of the signed lease to the tenant. Consider including information about local ordinances. Don't use handwritten notes on a lease — retype it.
Maintaining a Positive Landlord-Tenant Relationship
Good landlord-tenant relationships need regular communication and mutual respect. Address maintenance requests promptly. Give appropriate notice before entry. Keep clear records of all transactions and agreements. These steps help build trust and create a smoother rental experience for both parties.
Consider a Property Manager
Property managers are not required, but they can be a valuable tool. A good property manager can bring industry experience, respond to maintenance issues faster, reduce vacancy times and save you time; however, consider the downsides, including added monthly expenses, lease signing fees and less direct involvement in managing your property.
Codes
There are many local codes and ordinances that must be followed to maintain the health, safety and quality of life of Fort Collins residents. These include neighborhood nuisance codes and animal control laws which are strictly enforced. When dealing with noise, gatherings, tall weeds, animals, etc., speak respectfully with your neighbors before contacting the City. Another option is to use mediation services for difficult disputes.
Maintenance
If something in your rental needs repairs, know who is responsible, as outlined in your lease. Keep good records of any repairs or requests. Always reach out in writing if something needs attention. If there's a habitability concern, report it to your landlord right away. If your landlord does not respond in a timely manner, consider contacting the City for help — but avoid withholding rent or making repairs yourself without getting legal advice first.
Subleases
If you need to sublease your unit, consult a lawyer before moving forward. Subleases can be requested for many reasons, but tenants must get landlord permission first. Communicate early and openly. Stay flexible and respectful. If disagreements arise, consider using mediation services to reach an agreement.
Extending Your Lease
When you want to extend your lease, start the conversation early with your landlord. Make sure you're both on the same page. Always sign a new lease document, even if the terms stay the same. Review your lease for automatic renewal clauses. If anything is unclear, reach out to a lawyer for advice.
Moving Out
When your lease is ending and you plan to move out, notify your landlord in writing at least 60 days in advance. Include your planned move-out date and a forwarding address for your security deposit. While 60 days is typical, always check your lease for any different notice requirements. Be ready to schedule a final walkthrough before you leave.
Eviction
Evictions must be for cause and follow legal procedures. Landlords must provide cause (HB24-1098), such as unpaid rent, lease violations or no-fault reasons with a 90-day notice. Tenants on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (often called by its acronym SNAP), Supplemental Security Income or cash assistance have mediation rights and cannot be removed for a minimum of 30 days post-judgment (HB23-1120). Landlords cannot charge fees related to eviction notices (HB23-1095).
Breaking Your Lease
Nobody can predict the future. Tenants can break their lease without penalties in certain situations: Colorado Protection for Victims of Domestic Violence Act (CRS 38-12-402 (2)(a)(b)), and Federal Service Members Civil Relief Act (50 USC App. SS 501 et seq.). No matter the reason for breaking your lease early, open and honest communication is good practice. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, please consult a lawyer to know your rights and obligations.
Security Deposits
Security deposits cannot be more than two times the monthly rent (Colorado law CO-SB23-184). Security deposits must be returned within 60 days of the tenant vacating the property. It must be returned along with a list of deductions. Allowable deductions include if you didn't pay all the rent or other proper charges you owed the landlord, if you did not pay all the utilities, if you damaged the rental unit beyond 'normal wear and tear,' or if you moved before your lease ended.
City of Fort Collins Rental Housing Minimum Requirements
Exterior, general:
- Building, sidewalks, outbuildings and fences generally must be in good repair and free from hazards like damaged and loose building components.
- Yards must not have rodent, vermin or insect infestation and be free from hazards such as open holes or broken sidewalks.
- Stairways must not have loose or broken steps and have handrails solidly attached.
- Decks and porches 30 inches above the ground must have guardrails that are solidly attached.
- Window wells within 3 feet of driveways or sidewalks must be protected with guardrails or grate covers.
Interior, general:
- Windows and doors must be capable of keeping wind and elements out.
- Insect screens are required on every window and door used for required ventilation.
- Entry doors are required to have locks for security; locks shall operate from inside without a key or special knowledge.
- Windows located within 6 feet of the ground are required to have locks for security.
- All floors, walls, stairs, doors and windows are to be maintained in good repair and free from decay or defective surfaces.
- All stairs must have handrails and guardrails installed and be solidly attached.
- All interior doors must be securely attached and open and close properly.
- All interior spaces must be free from rodents, vermin or insect infestation.
- All walking surfaces must be in generally good repair.
Light:
- Every habitable space must have a window for natural light with a glazed area sized not less than 8% of the floor area of the room.
- In buildings containing three or more dwelling units, the common hallways and stairways must be provided with one 60-watt bulb per every 200 square feet.
Ventilation:
- Every habitable space must have at least one openable window for natural ventilation sized not less than 4% of the floor area of the room.
- Every bathroom and toilet room must have an openable window to the exterior or have an exhaust fan, ducted to the exterior.
- Every clothes dryer must be exhausted to the exterior through independent ducts.
Occupancy, general:
- Dwelling units must be arranged to provide privacy from adjoining spaces.
- Every bedroom must have access to at least one water closet and lavatory without passing through another bedroom.
- Spaces used for food preparation must contain suitable space and equipment to store, prepare and serve food in a sanitary manner.
Plumbing facilities:
- Every dwelling unit must contain its own bathtub or shower, lavatory, water closet and kitchen sink, maintained in safe and sanitary condition.
- A kitchen sink must not be used as a substitute for the required lavatory.
- Toilet rooms and bathrooms must provide privacy.
- All plumbing fixtures must be maintained in a safe, sanitary and functional condition, free from obstructions, leaks and defects.
- All kitchen sinks, lavatories, laundry facilities, bathtubs and showers must have hot and cold running water.
- The water supply system must have sufficient volume and pressure for proper function of plumbing fixtures.
- Water heated to a temperature of not less than 110 degrees Fahrenheit must be provided.
- All plumbing fixtures must be connected to an approved sewer system without obstructions, leaks and defects.
Mechanical facilities:
- Heat shall be supplied and be able to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20°C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms and toilet rooms.
- All mechanical appliances must be properly installed and maintained in a safe working condition.
- All fuel-burning equipment and appliances, except for gas-cooking appliances, must be connected to an approved chimney or vent.
- All mechanical equipment must have an approved automatic safety fuel shutoff, an accessible manual fuel shutoff valve and a listed appliance fuel connector.
- Gas cooking appliances must not be used for space heating of any portion of a dwelling or guestroom, and portable fuel-burning appliances are prohibited.
Electrical facilities:
- Dwelling units must have a three-wire, 120/240-volt electrical service having a rating of not less than 60 amperes.
- All electrical equipment, wiring and appliances must be properly installed and maintained in a safe and approved manner.
- Every habitable space in a dwelling must contain at least two separate and remote receptacle outlets.
- Every laundry area must contain at least one grounded receptacle or a receptacle protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter.
- Every bathroom must contain at least one receptacle protected with a ground fault circuit interrupter.
- Receptacle outlets installed in kitchens, garages, unfinished basements and exterior locations must be protected by ground fault circuit interrupters.
- Every public hall, interior stairway, toilet room, kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, boiler room and furnace room must contain at least one electric light fixture.
- Extensions cords must not be wired directly to permanent wiring or installed inside walls, through floors, under carpets or attached to trim or walls.
Fire safety requirements:
- All means of egress doors must be openable from the inside without the need for keys, special knowledge or effort.
- Every rental dwelling unit or guestroom must have access directly to the outside or to a public corridor which leads to an exterior exit.
- Required emergency escape and rescue opening shall be maintained in accordance with the code in effect at the time of construction or shall provide a minimum net clear opening of no less than 720 square inches, whichever is greater and shall not have a sill height greater than forty-eight inches measured above the interior floor.
- Smoke alarms (electric or battery operated) must be installed in each of the following areas:
- On the ceiling or wall outside of each separate sleeping area in the immediate vicinity of bedrooms
- In each room used for sleeping purposes
- In each story within a dwelling unit, including basements.
- Carbon monoxide detectors: Any single-family dwelling or dwelling unit in a multi-family dwelling used for rental purposes and that includes fuel-fired appliances or an attached garage, on or after July 1, 2009 shall be required to have carbon monoxide detectors installed. The location shall be on each level that has a lawful sleeping room and shall be located within 15 feet of the entrance to each sleeping room.