Bill Summary
According to section 2 of the bill, insurers cannot deny coverage based on the breed or combination of breeds of dogs that reside at the insured dwelling, but can deny coverage if there is a specific dangerous dog on the property. A dog’s breed or mixture of breeds is also prohibited from being inquired about by insurers except if the dog is known to be dangerous or has been declared dangerous.
Section 3 mandates that if the tenant is present when the writ of restitution is executed, the officer executing it inspects the premises for pets and gives any pets found to the tenant. In the absence of a tenant, the landlord must contact a local animal shelter or pet animal rescue to take custody of any pet animal and provide a contact number for the tenant. Officers and other persons involved in the execution of the writ are prohibited from removing and leaving pets unattended on public or private property.
The landlord cannot collect a security deposit or rent in exchange for allowing a pet animal to reside on the premises with the tenant under Section 4.
Under Section 5, the department of local affairs is responsible for administering the pet friendly landlord damage mitigation program. In the program, landlords may receive reimbursement for actual damage caused by pets living with tenants up to $1,000. The landlord must provide documentation supporting the damages for which the landlord seeks reimbursement on a first-come, first-served basis. To implement the program, the department can promulgate rules. It is prohibited for landlords who receive reimbursement under the program to take legal action against tenants for damages or to pursue collections against them.
According to Section 6, pet animals may not be placed under a lien for unpaid board, lodging, or rent by a person who rents furnished or unfurnished rooms or apartments.
In section 7, the bill prohibits the Colorado affordable housing tax credit from being allocated unless tenants are allowed to keep pets in their residence. State and local laws govern public health, animal control, and animal cruelty laws, and reasonable conditions may apply to the allowance of pet animals. Pet breed prohibitions or weight restrictions are not reasonable conditions.
The link to the bill is here.
