Colorado renter rights: what you can ask before you apply (and what’s protected by law)

Finding a home in Colorado shouldn’t feel like guesswork. Before you apply anywhere, you have the right to know what you’re walking into: the fees, the screening rules, and how your information will be used. Colorado has clear protections that give renters more control — especially when it comes to application fees and screening reports.

This guide breaks down your Colorado renter rights in plain language. We’ll cover what you can ask a property manager before you apply, what they’re required to share, and how the state’s portable screening law works. In short, you deserve clarity upfront. Here’s how to get it.

Your Colorado Renter Rights Before You Apply

Understanding Application Fees

You can always ask about fees — and some fees aren’t allowed. Colorado law limits rental application fees. A property manager can’t charge different applicants different fees for the same home. They also can’t charge you an application fee if you provide a valid portable tenant screening report (PTSR).

You can ask:

• What’s the total application fee?

• Do you accept portable screening reports?

• Will I be charged a fee to access or use my own report? (They can’t charge this.)

  
  

A quick check-in before applying can save you money and help you avoid unnecessary screening costs.

Screening Criteria Explained

You can ask about the property’s screening criteria. Before applying, you’re allowed to inquire about how they screen renters. This includes questions about credit, income, rental history, and criminal history requirements.

Colorado requires property managers to explain why an application was denied. They must provide the screening report they used in that decision if they pulled one themselves. Asking upfront helps you understand whether the home matches your situation and prevents surprises later.

Portable Screening Reports: What You Need to Know

You can ask whether they accept portable screening reports. Under Colorado law, property managers must accept a valid PTSR in most cases. Accepting the report doesn’t mean approving the application. It only means they must use the report you provide instead of charging you for a new one.

A valid portable report must:

• Be completed in the past 30 days

• Come from a consumer reporting agency

• Include identity, income, credit, rental history, and criminal/eviction checks when those are part of the property’s criteria

• Be accessible at no cost to the property manager

  
  

You can ask:

• Do you accept valid portable screening reports?

• Is there anything specific you need from me to review it?

• How do you want me to provide it?

  
  

If they only take one application fee at a time for a home and refund it within 20 days when they decline to offer a lease, they’re exempt from the PTSR rule. Asking this upfront gives you clarity.

People Also Ask: “Does a Portable Screening Report Guarantee Approval?”

No. A portable screening report only replaces the need to pay for a new screening. It doesn’t guarantee approval. Property managers still apply their own screening criteria to make decisions, as required by law and explained in Colorado’s portable screening statute.

In short: acceptance of the report is not the same as approval of the applicant.

Questions Every Colorado Renter Can Ask Before Applying

What Screening Criteria Do You Use to Make Decisions?

This is one of the clearest ways to understand whether a home is a good match. You can ask about income thresholds, credit expectations, and whether they review rental or criminal history. Colorado requires transparency about denial reasons, so it’s reasonable to ask before you apply.

Are There Any Extra Fees I Should Expect?

Beyond the application fee, ask whether there are deposit requirements, holding fees, or other upfront costs. Colorado law doesn’t prohibit these entirely, but knowing them ahead of time keeps you from being surprised or pressured in the moment.

If I Provide My Portable Report, Will You Charge Any Fees?

If your report meets the legal requirements, they can’t charge you a fee to accept it or use it in the application process. This includes access fees, verification fees, or “processing” fees tied to the report.

How to Use Your Colorado Renter Rights in Real Life

Start with the Basics

A simple, calm message can set the tone:

“Before I apply, can you share your screening criteria and whether you accept valid portable screening reports?”

This keeps the conversation clear and gives you what you need to decide whether to move forward.

Keep Your Own Records

If you’re using a portable report, save the date it was generated and the statement confirming that your information hasn’t changed. Property managers are allowed to require both to confirm it’s valid.

Compare Places Without Paying Multiple Fees

This is one of the biggest benefits of Colorado’s portable screening law. If your report is valid, you can reuse it within its 30-day window. This helps you look at more than one place without spending more each time.

Conclusion: Empowering Yourself as a Renter

Navigating the rental market in Colorado can be daunting. However, understanding your rights can empower you. You deserve to feel confident in your rental application process. By asking the right questions and knowing what to expect, you can make informed decisions.

Remember, clarity is key. Don’t hesitate to reach out to property managers with your questions. The more informed you are, the better your chances of finding the perfect home.

For more information on portable tenant screening reports, check out Rentell.