A new bill making waves in Colorado's legislature has sparked concerns among landlords and critics who fear its potential impact on the state's rental market.

House Bill 24-1098, which received preliminary approval from the Colorado House of Representatives, seeks to mandate that landlords must provide a reason to evict a tenant or deny lease renewals, a move that has raised red flags among those wary of government overreach and its consequences.

The bill, championed by left-leaning Democrat lawmakers, lays out specific grounds only for legal eviction and lease terminations, including non-payment by tenants, lease violations, property renovations, or plans to sell the building. While proponents argue that the legislation aims to protect tenants from arbitrary evictions, opponents warn that it could deter landlords from renting out their properties, exacerbating Colorado's housing crisis.

PRIME SPONSORS

• Rep. Javier Mabrey

• Rep. Monica Duran

• Sen. Julie Gonzales

• Sen. Nick Hinrichsen

Rep. Javier Mabrey, a Denver Democrat and sponsor of the bill, highlighted the need for legislation to prevent "no-cause evictions," emphasizing the vulnerability of tenants in the current system that allows evictions without justifiable reasons.

However, critics argue that the proposed restrictions on landlords could have unintended consequences, limiting their ability to manage their properties effectively and respond to disruptive or non-compliant tenants.

Majority Leader Monica Duran, another advocate for the bill, shared her personal eviction experience to underscore the importance of protecting tenants' stability and community ties. While supporters view the bill as a step towards safeguarding renters' rights, opponents express concerns about the potential burdens and restrictions it may impose on landlords, potentially leading to reduced rental options and increased operational challenges.

Amendments made to the bill in response to stakeholder feedback and concerns seek to address some of the initial criticisms, including modifications to notice periods, non-renewal processes, and added causes for eviction.

Despite these adjustments, the bill continues to draw skepticism from some lawmakers and industry stakeholders who question its implications on property rights and rental dynamics in Colorado.

READ MORE:

• COLORADO DEMOCRATS PUSH RADICAL BILL TO ELIMINATE PARKING MINIMUMS, IGNORING THE CONSEQUENCES

• DEMOCRATS' PLAN FOR CHEAP MODULAR HOUSING RAISES CONCERNS ABOUT QUALITY AND TAXPAYER DOLLARS

• PROPOSED COLORADO BILL OFFERS TAX CREDITS FOR CONVERTING OFFICES INTO APARTMENTS

• COLORADO LAWMAKERS INTRODUCE BILL TO BOOST CONDOMINIUM CONSTRUCTION IN THE STATE

As the bill advances through the legislative process, with the House passing it on second reading and awaiting a formal vote on third reading, the debate over its merits and implications intensifies. With Democrats holding majorities in both chambers, the bill's path to becoming law appears imminent, raising apprehensions among opponents who warn of potential unintended consequences for landlords and the rental market in Colorado.