In a significant move to enforce rental licensing requirements, the City and County of Denver has embarked on a proactive campaign to issue citations and fines to landlords who fail to comply with the city’s regulations. This measure comes after an extensive city education and outreach effort aimed at ensuring that Mile High City landlords are aware of their responsibilities.
Denver’s decision to issue fines and citations is not taken lightly. It is seen as a last resort, implemented only after all efforts to inform non-compliant landlords about the licensing requirement have been exhausted. As of January 1, this requirement applies to any property in Denver with more than one unit that is rented out for a period of 30 days or longer.
Since February, the Department of Excise and Licenses has taken action by issuing over 1,000 notices of violation to landlords whose properties were found to be non-compliant with Denver’s rental licensing regulations. This initiative is part of the city’s ongoing commitment to establishing and maintaining minimum housing standards. City investigators diligently continue to identify additional unlicensed properties, resulting in the issuance of new notices of violation on a daily basis.
In a recent development, landlords who have received a notice of violation within the past 60 days and have failed to initiate the licensing process were issued an administrative penalty of $150. These penalties are intended to serve as a wake-up call to landlords who have yet to comply. However, if they do not take action within the next two weeks, they will be subject to a more substantial fine of $500. Furthermore, if there is continued non-compliance after the second citation, landlords may face a daily fine of $999.
It is worth noting that the application to obtain a residential rental license has been available for the past 14 months. The Department of Excise and Licenses has assembled a dedicated team of technicians and investigators who are ready to assist landlords in the process of becoming compliant and avoiding fines. This proactive approach emphasizes the city’s commitment to working alongside landlords to ensure they understand the requirements and can fulfill them accordingly.
The cost of applying for a multiunit residential rental license now stands at $50, with the licensing fee varying based on the number of units being licensed. Once obtained, the license remains valid for a period of four years. However, in the event of a change in ownership, a new inspection and license are required.
To facilitate the inspection process, a list of nearly 50 qualified third-party inspectors has been made available on the city’s website. These inspectors have informed the Department of Excise and Licenses that there is currently no backlog in scheduling and conducting inspections. Additionally, a comprehensive guidebook is accessible on the residential rental property webpage, providing landlords with valuable information to aid them in meeting the necessary requirements. It is worth mentioning that the Department of Excise and Licenses has been able to process over two-thirds of applications within one week, and more than 90% within 30 days, ensuring a streamlined and efficient procedure.
Looking ahead, starting from January 1, 2024, a residential rental license will be mandatory for anyone offering, providing, or operating a property consisting of a single rental unit. As an incentive, applicants for single-unit properties will benefit from a 50% reduction in the application fee, lowering it from $50 to $25, if they apply in 2023.
In conclusion, it is crucial for all rental property owners and managers in Denver to be aware of the fines being issued for non-compliance with rental licensing requirements. The City and County of Denver encourages individuals to sign up for the residential rental property informational bulletin to receive the latest news and updates regarding the program. Past updates can also be accessed on the city’s website, ensuring that everyone has access to this information.
For any questions about the rental licensing process or to schedule your own licensing inspection, reach out to Axium Inspections by calling or visiting us online.