Follow-Up: Why We Must Continue to Oppose HB25-1249
Tri Home Life in Littleton, Colorado, is committed to informing you about HB25-1249 and its potential impact on housing providers. As we approach the testimony session on March 20, 2025, we must intensify our efforts and ensure our voices are heard.
Recap of HB25-1249 and Our Opposition
The CHC stands firmly against this bill as it poses significant risks to property owners and managers. As a reminder, HB25-1249 seeks to:
- Cap security deposits at one month's rent or one month's portion of rent (for subsidized housing).
- Mandate six-month payment plans for deposits, with no recourse for eviction if payments are missed.
- Final inspections with tenants are required up to 10 business days after move-out, limiting damage charges to only what is documented in that inspection.
These provisions create financial instability for property owners, limit their ability to manage risk, and could ultimately reduce available housing in Colorado.
A Plea to Legislators
We urge lawmakers to reconsider their approach. Instead of pushing policies that increase costs and risks for housing providers, look for ways to promote investment in this state. Work with us—not against us—so we can craft great solutions to the complex challenges in housing. If this trajectory continues, housing will become so unaffordable that it won’t help anybody. Please help us reduce costs, not drive them up.
Why Your Testimony Matters
The Business Affairs and Labor Committee needs to hear real-life experiences demonstrating this bill's dangers. If passed, it could result in fewer available rental properties and financial strain on small housing providers.
Consider addressing the following in your testimony:
- Security deposits as risk management: Explain how additional deposits allow property owners to rent to individuals who may not otherwise qualify.
- Payment plan concerns: Share how this could lead to tenants moving in without fully paying a deposit, increasing financial risk.
- Delayed turnover issues: Discuss how waiting 10 business days for inspections delays necessary repairs and new tenant move-ins.
- Inability to collect damages: Highlight cases where move-out conditions require significant repairs that may not be fully documented during a single inspection.
- Financial strain: Illustrate how owners could be left with minimal deposits (e.g., $40) for residents who leave substantial damages or unpaid rent.
What You Can Do Now
- Sign up to testify on March 20, 2025 in the Business Affairs and Labor Committee – in-person or remotely at the Capitol in Denver.
- Spread the word – Encourage fellow property owners, managers, and stakeholders to attend and voice their concerns.
- Prepare your testimony – Use personal anecdotes and data to highlight the real-world consequences of this bill.
The Stakes Are High – Take Action Now!
We must show up to protect the rental housing industry from damaging legislation. Your testimony can make a difference in ensuring lawmakers understand the unintended consequences of HB25-1249. Join us in standing against this bill on March 20, 2025!
Tri Home Life in Littleton, Colorado, is here to update you on crucial housing policies and advocate for responsible legislation. Please stay connected with us for the latest developments and ways to get involved.
We can work toward fair and balanced housing policies protecting tenants and property owners.