June 2023 | Page 23

LEGISLATION

The Apartment Association fought many battles in this year ' s legislative session . Members rallied together to testify and advocate for the industry on many proposed bills that posed challenges to the industry . The Association celebrates successfully defeating the attempt to repeal the prohibition on rent control , HB23-1115 . This bill would have given local governments the power to enact rent control ordinances within Colorado . While the bill was amended in the House to apply only to construction newer than 15 years , as well as to restrict rent caps less than CPI plus 3 % this bill was ultimately killed in the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee .

The Association is also proud to acknowledge that HB23-1255 , a bill regulating restrictions on local housing growth did pass and will become law . The Apartment Association supported this bill due to its positive impact on the industry . This bill prohibits a local government from enforcing or enacting any local housing growth restrictions . In the event of a declared disaster emergency , the local government may enact a temporary growth restriction for no more than one year after the disaster declaration .
HB23-1068
PET ANIMAL OWNERSHIP IN HOUSING
This bill aims to serve pet owners who rent housing . As introduced , this bill would have prohibited a landlord from charging a pet deposit or pet rent . The Association was able to significantly amend this bill to preserve that right . The bill as amended prohibits charging more than $ 300 for a rental deposit on a pet and establishes a $ 35 or 1.5 % rent cap on pet rent .
HB23-1095
PROHIBITED PROVISIONS IN RENTAL AGREEMENTS
This bill prohibits written rental agreements from including several items , including fees associated with eviction notices or the recovery of housing provider attorney fees , prohibits waivers of jury trials , class action litigation , and quiet enjoyment fees ; in addition , the bill restricts advance notice of move-out by residents , class action lawsuits , and administrative billing fees ( that includes a $ 10 Adminitration Fee Cap or 2 % mark-up on any thirdparty services ). As introduced , this bill contained numerous prohibited lease provisions that we amended . This bill doesn ’ t apply to mobile home parks and doesn ’ t exclude utility costs as eligible for reimbursement .
HB23-1099
PORTABLE SCREENING REPORT FOR RESIDENTIAL LEASES
This bill requires landlords to accept portable or alternative screening reports when considering rental applications , as long as the report has been prepared within the last 30 days . Landlords may not charge an application fee if provided with a tenant screening report and must inform applicants of their rights to provide an alternative screening report . The bill exempts a landlord from these requirements if they do not accept more than one application fee at a time from a prospective tenant or tenants for a dwelling unit , or if they www . aamdhq . org JUNE 2023 TRENDS | 21