Duty to Dispose of Trash in Colorado

Maintaining a clean and healthy living environment isn’t just a matter of personal responsibility. It’s also a legal duty for residents, landlords, and property managers. The duty to dispose of trash ensures that rentals and neighborhoods remain safe, hygienic, and attractive places to live.

While disposing of waste can seem obvious, it’s an issue that leads to many landlord-tenant disputes in Sterling, Denver, and across Colorado. Should you find yourself involved in this type of disagreement as either a tenant or landlord, you can reach a landlord-tenant dispute attorney in Colorado by calling Flaxman Law Group at 970-999-0530 for a consultation. Our family-based law firm is here to help.

There isn’t a specific state law in Colorado that dictates how trash should be handled, but it is expected that tenants will take care of the rental as part of their duty to not cause damage. In addition, the duty to properly get rid of waste may be outlined in the lease agreement. Renters may be expected to:

• Use the bins or dumpsters provided for their intended use.
• Follow guidelines set by local waste management authorities.
• Secure trash bags so they don’t cause a mess or attract animals.
• Separate recyclables and sort them into appropriate containers for pickup.

Landlords, too, have a duty to help keep premises clean. They should offer appropriate waste disposal facilities and ensure that trash collection services are available to tenants. This may include:

• Supplying appropriate trash and recycling bins to residents.
• Arranging for waste collection services.
• Telling tenants about local trash disposal guidelines and collection days.

When tenants fail to dispose of garbage correctly, it can affect the health and aesthetic appeal of the community. It can also make it harder for landlords to attract quality tenants. In this situation, renters can face fines, warnings, and even evictions. Landlords can also face fines and penalties from their municipality if their properties fail to meet local rules. They can even be found liable if unsanitary conditions on their property result in injuries.

Keeping rental premises clean is important for the health and safety of both tenants and landlords, but disagreements can happen. A tenant can allege that their landlord fails to provide trash disposal options. A landlord can claim that a tenant fails to keep their property adequate clean and trash-free. In some cases, tenants can have conditions that cause them to hoard. While this can be a danger for other tenants, mental illness is a complex issue. A landlord can’t just evict someone because they are ill.

In these and other situations involving the duty to dispose of trash in Colorado, it can be useful to speak with a Colorado landlord-tenant attorney at Flaxman Law Group. Our Denver offices and family-founded law firm work closely with tenants and landlords in Sterling, Denver, and across Colorado to resolve even complex problems.

Flaxman Law Group stands out for our founder's commitment to the community. As chairman of the board for his local neighborhood police patrol, he spearheaded efforts to allocate expenses onto homeowners' property tax bills, reflecting his dedication to the community's safety and well-being. This commitment extends to our practice, where we work tirelessly to advocate for our clients in Colorado landlord-tenant disputes.

If you need to speak to a Colorado landlord-tenant lawyer, contact our Denver team at 970-999-0530. We can set up a consultation so you can review your situation with a Colorado landlord-tenant attorney.