Can a Landlord Charge a Fee With a PTSR in Colorado?

If you've already paid for a portable tenant screening report, you shouldn't have to pay again. But property managers sometimes still ask for a fee, and renters aren't always sure whether that's legal.

Here's what Colorado law actually says.

The short answer

No. If you provide a valid portable tenant screening report, a landlord cannot charge you an application or screening fee. That's written into state law, with a few specific conditions that matter.

When a landlord cannot charge you a fee

Under Colorado law, if you provide a valid portable tenant screening report:

• The landlord must accept it as the screening report

• They cannot charge you a fee to access or use it

• They cannot charge a separate application fee

This applies as long as your report meets the legal requirements. Your report replaces the need for a new screening, and the cost that comes with it.

What makes a report "valid"?

This is the most important part. A report only triggers these protections if it meets all four requirements:

1. Completed within the last 30 days Older reports don't qualify. If yours has expired, the landlord can run their own screening and charge for it. You could also refresh your report.

2. From a consumer reporting agency It must come from a recognized provider — not a self-assembled document or informal summary.

3. Includes required screening details The report must cover identity, income, credit, and rental history. Missing components mean the landlord isn't required to accept it.

4. Accessible to the landlord at no cost If the landlord has to pay to view your report, it doesn't meet the standard.

If your report checks all four boxes, you're protected. If any piece is missing, the landlord may be able to charge a fee and run their own screening instead.

When a landlord can still charge a fee

You don't provide a report If you choose not to share a portable report, the landlord can charge a standard application or screening fee.

Your report doesn't meet the requirements An expired, incomplete, or unqualified report gives the landlord the right to run their own screening, and charge accordingly.

The property uses the one-application exception Colorado law includes a narrow exception: a landlord may decline your portable report if they only accept one application at a time and refund the application fee within 20 days if no lease is offered. This setup is uncommon, but it's valid.

Can a landlord charge a fee and use your report?

No. These are two separate paths, a landlord cannot take both.

If they accept your valid report, they cannot charge for it. If they charge a fee, they need to run their own screening. There's no scenario where both apply.

Does sharing a report guarantee approval?

No. A portable screening report protects you from repeat fees — it doesn't guarantee a lease.

Property managers still review your report, apply their own criteria, and make their own decision. The approval process doesn't change; only the cost does.

What to do if you're asked to pay anyway

Step 1: Confirm your report is valid Check that it's within 30 days, includes all required components, and is accessible to the landlord at no cost. If any of those are off, the fee may be legitimate.

Step 2: Ask a direct question "Are you using my portable screening report, or running a separate screening?" That usually resolves the confusion quickly.

Step 3: Ask them to explain the fee If they still ask for payment, try: "Can you explain why a fee applies if I've provided a portable report?" Many misunderstandings get sorted out here.

Step 4: Know your rights Colorado law is clear: a valid portable report that's accepted cannot come with an attached fee. If a landlord accepted your report and charged you anyway, that's worth following up on.

Common situations renters run into

"They called it a processing fee, not a screening fee" The label doesn't change the rule. If your report is being used for screening purposes, extra fees shouldn't apply regardless of what they're called.

"They didn't mention portable reports before charging me" Colorado requires landlords to inform renters of their right to provide a portable report before charging a fee. If that didn't happen, it's worth raising.

"They said they don't accept portable reports" That's only valid in limited cases, specifically the one-application exception described above. Outside of that, most landlords are expected to accept a qualifying report.

Know your options before you apply

If you're apartment hunting in Colorado, getting a portable tenant screening report upfront can save you from repeat fees across multiple applications. Just make sure it meets the four requirements: recent, complete, from a qualified provider, and accessible at no cost, and you'll have solid footing with any landlord who tries to charge you again.

If you run into a violation, Colorado's tenant protection laws provide a path to follow up. Your local housing authority or a tenant rights organization can point you in the right direction.