How much can a Colorado landlord charge for a rental application fee?
Quick answer
Colorado sets no dollar cap. The whole fee must go to the landlord's actual or average cost of processing applications, be the same for every applicant for the same unit, and come with a receipt and a cost disclosure or itemization. Unused money must be refunded within 20 days. Violations cost $2,500 plus court costs and attorney fees.
Effective Jan 1, 2027: Colorado rental applications must carry the HB26-1196 screening notice. Source: Colorado General Assembly, HB26-1196
Short version: the answer is above. If you need to comply, the Colorado rental application screening notice kit gives you the templates, checklist and official sources for this law. $49 one-time, instant download.
What does the law say? Key facts and official sources
| Item | What the law says | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Law | C.R.S. 38-12-903 and 38-12-905, Rental Application Fairness Act (HB19-1106, amended by HB23-1099) | Official source |
| Amount | No dollar cap; the entire fee must cover the landlord's actual cost, or average cost per applicant, of processing applications (38-12-903(1)) | Official source |
| Same fee for all | Same amount for every applicant for the same unit, or for any unit offered at the same time (38-12-903(2)(a)) | Official source |
| Portable report | No application fee if the applicant provides a portable tenant screening report (38-12-903(2)(b)) | Official source |
| Paperwork | A receipt for every fee, plus a disclosure of anticipated costs or an itemization of actual costs (38-12-903(3)) | Official source |
| Refund | Good-faith effort to refund any unused part within 20 calendar days after processing (38-12-903(4)) | Official source |
| Penalty | $2,500 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees; only $50 if cured within 7 days of notice (38-12-905) | Official source |
| Last verified | October 20, 2026 | Astor Ventures |
Is there a maximum rental application fee in Colorado?
There is no fixed dollar maximum. C.R.S. 38-12-903 ties the fee to cost instead: the landlord must use the entire fee to cover its processing costs, based on the actual expense for that application or the average expense per applicant across multiple applications. If you charge an average, you must explain how that average was worked out.
When can a Colorado landlord not charge an application fee?
When the applicant provides a portable tenant screening report under C.R.S. 38-12-904(1.5). A landlord also may not charge different applicants for the same unit different amounts, or charge different amounts across units it offers for rent at the same time.
What is the penalty for an illegal application fee?
Under C.R.S. 38-12-905, a landlord who violates these rules is liable to the applicant for $2,500 plus court costs and reasonable attorney fees. The applicant must give at least 7 days' notice before suing, and a landlord that cures within 7 days pays $50 instead. HB23-1099 also lets the Attorney General enforce the Act.
Want it done in an afternoon? The Colorado rental application screening notice kit turns these rules into fill-in templates, a checklist and a tracker, with the official sources quoted. One-time payment, instant download.
What else do people ask?
Do I have to give a receipt?
Yes, for every application fee. An electronic receipt is fine unless the applicant asks for paper.
How fast must I refund the unused part?
Make a good-faith effort within 20 calendar days after processing the application.
Does HB26-1196 change the fee rules?
HB26-1196 adds a screening-transparency notice to rental applications from January 1, 2027; the fee rules stay in C.R.S. 38-12-903.
Is this legal advice?
No. General information only.
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