Colorado Democrats are trying again this legislative session to expand legal protections for renters, preventing them from being evicted or not renewed by their landlords without a reason. Advocates say the bill, which is being called “for cause eviction” legislation, would help keep people in their homes and empower them to speak up when they are being harmed.
A large group of lawmakers and advocates gathered at the capitol Wednesday afternoon to announce the legislation, which was filed after the announcement.
“Colorado’s housing affordability crisis impacts renters from the Western Slope to the Front Range, and every corner of our state,” said House Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Every single eviction is heartbreaking.”
The bill would only permit landlords to evict a tenant or not renew their lease if they have a legitimate reason, recognized by law—like failure to pay rent, lease violations not fixed by the tenant in a timely manner, and criminal activity. Under Colorado law currently, landlords are allowed to evict or not renew for any reason, or no reason.