Adequate Sanitation in Colorado

Adequate sanitation is key to a safe and habitable living environment in Colorado. Tenants have a right to expect clean conditions in their rental properties, and landlords have a legal obligation to provide and maintain such conditions. However, both tenants and landlords in Boulder, Denver, and other communities can run into difficult-to-resolve problems when it comes to sanitation in rentals.

If this happens to you and you’re having a hard time reaching an agreement, you can always contact Flaxman Law Group. Just call our family-based legal team at 970-999-0530 for a consultation between you and Steven Flaxman, a Colorado landlord-dispute attorney.

What Is Adequate Sanitation in Colorado Rentals?

Good sanitation protects the rental property and the tenants’ health and safety. It is also an obligation of a Colorado landlord to provide habitable housing to renters, and this means ensuring good sanitation. This can mean:

  • Proper waste management so tenants can have trash removed.
  • Maintaining clean and properly repaired properties.
  • Taking steps to ensure ventilation and decent air quality.
  • Having adequate sewage systems that are in good repair.
  • Acting quickly to resolve sanitation and health dangers, such as damp-related mold and pests.

Both renters and landlords work together to ensure good sanitation. Tenants are expected to maintain and clean their units while landlords should address maintenance issues and common areas.

Handling Disputes Related to Sanitation

Everyone has a different idea of cleanliness and this can cause disputes to arise between landlords and tenants. Renters may want landlords to clean common areas or may feel landlords do not respond to maintenance requests adequately.

A common issue for landlords is when tenants are not tidy. What happens if a tenant litters in common areas or fails to clean their property to the point that neighbors complain?

In these situations, it is best to lead with empathy and to document all communication as well as the state of the property. It is also important for landlords to realize that some mental health conditions, such as depression or a hoarding condition, can cause renters to not clean or to gather dangerous amounts to trash. Both conditions are considered disabilities and renters with these conditions may be protected by fair housing laws and the Americans with Disabilities Act. Landlords may need to make reasonable accommodations, such as giving renters time to get compliant with the lease agreement.

Since tenant uncleanliness may be related to federal laws, it is best to resolve these disputes with the help of a landlord-tenant attorney, who can keep you compliant. Flaxman Law Group is a family-based law firm, and we take a compassionate approach to every case. No matter how sensitive your situation, we will seek to resolve your situation through mediation, negotiation, and by protecting your rights. Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, if you’re facing a disagreement or non-compliance over sanitation and hygiene in a rental, contact us by calling 970-999-0530. We can set up a consultation for you so you can discuss your concerns with a landlord-tenant attorney at our Denver offices. Our team has more than 60 years of combined experience to help you.

Landlord-Tenant Dispute Clients Often Ask Us
These Important Questions

When can a landlord keep my deposit?

A landlord can typically keep all or part of your security deposit to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease violations. However, they must provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining amount within a specific timeframe, as required by local laws.

Can I be evicted without notice?

Landlords must always provide notice and cannot evict without going through proper court process, unless the lease or local laws specify otherwise. For example, in cases of criminal activity or immediate danger to the property, the landlord may proceed with an expedited eviction. Always check your lease and local tenant laws for specific requirements.

What can I do if my landlord does not make needed repairs?

If your landlord fails to address necessary repairs after you've notified them in writing, you may have options such as:

Withholding rent (where allowed by law).
Making the repair yourself and deducting the cost from your rent. Reporting the issue to local housing authorities.
Seeking legal remedies in court. Document all communication and the condition of the property to strengthen your case.

How long does the eviction process take?

The length of the eviction process varies depending on local laws and the circumstances of the case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Generally, the process involves:

  • A formal notice period.
  • Filing of an eviction lawsuit.
  • A court hearing.
  • Enforcement of the eviction by local authorities, if necessary.
  • Tenants may appeal or request delays, which can extend the timeline.

Landlord-Tenant Practice Areas

Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Evictions

Habitability Issues

Security Deposit Disputes

Broad Experience in Landlord-Tenant Disputes

Skillfully navigated complex landlord-tenant conflicts, advocating for fair resolutions and protecting clients’ rights in rental and lease agreements.

Protecting Tenant Rights:

Helped hundreds of tenants recover withheld security deposits, terminate leases, transfer units, or obtain alternative housing in cases involving habitability issues.

Preventing Wrongful Evictions:

Represented tenants to successfully block unlawful eviction attempts, ensuring their housing rights were upheld.

Advocating for Landlords:

Assisted landlords in evicting problematic tenants and recovering compensation for property damages, lost income, and other related losses.