Tenant Illegal Activity in Colorado

In Boulder, Canon City, Colorado Springs, Denver, and other Colorado communities landlord-tenant disputes are not uncommon. One of the reasons disagreements happen is when renters are accused of engaging in illegal activities, which can be grounds for eviction.

As a part of the Colorado community, Flaxman Law Group has worked with tenants accused of illegal conduct and with landlords who were facing illegal activity on their properties. In these situations, we can investigate the claims, seek mediation, or even represent you in court if your case ends up in front of a judge. Whether you're a landlord or tenant, if you find yourself in landlord-tenant disagreement, contact Flaxman Law Group.

What is Tenant Illegal Activity?

Tenant illegal activity is any conduct by a renter or their guests that is in violation of the law. Usually, this is also in violation of the lease agreement. Here are some examples of illegal tenant activity:

• Assault, threats, or harassment
• Manufacturing, selling, or using illegal drugs in the rental
• Operating an illegal business or trafficking people on the premises
• Hosting illegal gambling activities in the rental
• Illegally using or storing firearms or explosives in the rental
• Keeping, breeding, or selling illegal animals on the premises
• Disobeying fire regulations or safety and health codes
• Theft
• Vandalism

Tenant illegal activity can also involve civil violations, such as noise disturbance, unauthorized subletting, or property damage. Tenant illegal activity can affect the safety of others and can expose the landlord to legal liability.

What are the Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords and Tenants?

In Colorado landlords have the right to run criminal history checks and screen tenants. They can also protect themselves by including clauses in the lease agreement that prohibit tenant illegal activity. Colorado further allows landlords to inspect the rental for signs of tenant illegal activity, as long as reasonable notice or consent is secured.

If illegal activity does happen, landlords can evict a tenant who has engaged in illegal activity, as long as landlords follow the correct eviction process. Landlords can also report renters to the police and may be able to sue tenants for losses resulting from the crimes.

Tenants have rights, too. In Colorado, tenants have the right to privacy and property rights. They also have the right to live in a safe and habitable rental, which may mean that criminal activity committed by other renters needs to be addressed.

If tenants are accused of illegal activity, they have the right to be told of the accusations and to get a chance to defend themselves against any evictions or other actions taken because of the allegations.

How to Handle Tenant Illegal Activity Accusations

Whether you're a landlord or tenant in Durango, Edwards, Fort Collins-Loveland, or another Colorado community, here are a few things you may want to do if there's an allegation of renter illegal activity:

• Get everything in writing. Document the activity as much as you can. Keep copies of any emails or notices.
• Seek mediation or arbitration. A neutral third party can help you avoid court and can help you find a resolution. Flaxman Law Group can help you negotiate with the other party to find a resolution in your case.
• Consult a lawyer. Whether you're a landlord dealing with possible illegal activity in your rental or a tenant being accused of wrongdoing, consult with a Colorado attorney specializing in landlord-tenant law as soon as possible. A lawyer can advise you about what you can do next.

If you need to speak with an experienced Colorado landlord-tenant attorney, call Flaxman Law Group at 970-999-0530 or contact us online. We can set up a free, no obligation consultation so you can discuss what options you may have.

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