If you’ve ever applied for a rental and wondered what’s actually being reviewed behind the scenes, you’re not alone. Many renters assume property managers are looking for one perfect number or a single red flag that decides everything. That’s not how it usually works. In Colorado, tenant screening is made up of a few core checks that help property managers understand risk and fit. None of them tell the full story on their own. And none of them make decisions by themselves.

If you’re renting in Colorado, the application process can feel dense and repetitive. Different homes. Different forms. Different fees. Renters often ask the same question: What actually happens when I apply for a place, and how do I avoid surprises?

Applying for a home in Colorado can get expensive fast. Every time you submit a new application, you’re usually asked to pay another screening fee. It adds up, especially if you’re applying to more than one place or moving in a competitive market.

If you’ve rented in Colorado, you’ve probably paid an application fee more than once. Sometimes it’s forty dollars. Sometimes fifty. Sometimes more. And you rarely know what that fee actually covers.