Gov. Jared Polis on Friday signed into a law a bill that expands existing statutes guaranteeing in rental agreements that a place is “fit for habitation.” 

Sponsors say the measure would enhance protections for renters, while critics argued it could place undue burden on landlords or be abused by tenants.

Senate Bill 094 expands the existing “warranty of habitability” law to establish a timeframe for landlords to address tenant complaints and take remedial action if a claim is filed. A “warranty of habitability” is an implied guarantee outlined in a lease that states a landlord must provide a tenant with a safe, sanitary, and livable home. If these standards aren’t being met, a tenant can file a complaint. 

Depending on the issue, landlords must address the uninhabitable conditions within seven or 14 days. Additionally, the bill mandates landlords to offer alternative accommodation for up to 60 days while resolving such conditions.

The bill passed through the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee on a party-line vote of 4-3 and on the Senate floor on a vote of 21-13. One Democrat, Sen. Joann Ginal of Fort Collins, voted against the bill. 

In the House, the bill passed through the Transportation, Housing, & Local Government Committee on a party-line vote of 8-3 and on the floor with a 40-20 vote. Three Democrats: Reps. Shannon Bird of Westminster, Bob Marshall of Highlands Ranch, and Marc Snyder of Colorado Springs, voted in opposition.

The bill was sponsored by Sens. Julie Gonzales, D-Denver and Tony Exum, D-Denver, and Reps. Mandy Lindsay, D-Aurora and Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. 

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