Destruction to Rented Real Estate Property in Colorado

Both tenants and landlords in Colorado want to keep rental property in good shape. If you're a landlord, it's your responsibility to maintain your property and ensure that it's habitable. If you're a renter, you want your home to stay in good condition.

However, even with the best care, there are situations where property may be damaged. At Flaxman Law Group, we work with tenants and landlords in Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins-Loveland, and other Colorado communities. Contact us today for a no obligation consultation if you're facing a landlord-tenant dispute. 

There are many types of damage that can occur to rental real estate, including:

• Physical damage, including broken windows or doors, damaged walls or flooring, or holes in the walls.
• Intentional damage, such as graffiti or vandalism.
• Negligent damage, such as mold growth or water damage caused by a tap that's been left running.
• Environmental damage caused by floods, natural disasters, weather, or fires.

This is often where disputes arise. Under Colorado law, landlords are responsible for maintaining the property and ensuring that it's habitable. If damage occurs due to factors outside a renter's control, such as the weather or wear and tear, the landlord is usually responsible for repairs. However, tenants are generally responsible for any damage caused by their actions or negligence.

Whether you're a landlord or tenant, there are things you might want to do if damage happens to a rental property:

• Document everything. Take photos and videos of the property damage and all surrounding areas. Write down everything you remember about the property damage when it first happens.
• Communicate. If you're the tenant, notify your landlord of the damage as soon as you can. If you're the landlord, communicate with your tenant in writing about the damage and the estimated cost of repairs, as well as who is responsible for the damage. In either case, keep communication in writing and keep records of all communication.
• Understand the laws regarding security deposits. In Colorado, landlords are allowed to ask for security deposits from new tenants. This money can be used for property repairs, but landlords must follow local and state laws when using deposits this way. Working with a Colorado tenant-landlord dispute attorney can ensure deposits are correctly used for property repairs.
• Contact an attorney. If you can't reach a fair agreement about completing property repairs, it may be best to contact an experienced Colorado tenant-landlord dispute attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and can help with mediation to try to resolve the issue.

When property damage happens to a rental home, it's not unusual for disputes to occur. A landlord, for example, may issue a notice to repair to tenants or may seek to evict a tenant for damage to the property. In other cases, landlords may seek to enter the property to make repairs or inspect the home. This can lead to disputes if renters refuse to make repairs or refuse entry.

A Colorado tenant-landlord dispute attorney understands how to resolve these issues and can inform you of your rights, whether you're a tenant or landlord. An attorney can also help negotiate with a landlord or tenant or the insurer for the property.

If your rental property has been damaged and you need help determining or protecting your legal rights, call Flaxman Law Group at 970-999-0530 for a no obligation consultation.