Westminster's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Westminster, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Repairs & Habitability

Westminster's Rental Property Maintenance Code sets minimum health and safety standards for every rental unit in the city. Landlords must supply working heat, hot water, sound plumbing, adequate light and ventilation, and structurally sound floors, walls and roofs, or face code enforcement action.

Key details: Governing chapter: W.M.C. Title XI, Chapter 12. Min. ceiling height: 7 feet in habitable rooms. Min. heat requirement: 68°F, Oct.-April. Water heater temp: 120°F minimum at fixture. Enforcement: Building division, via court order if refused.

Leasing a noncompliant unit is unlawful under Section 11-12-14, and a violation is a public nuisance abatable under Title VIII, Chapter 4. Owners get a notice of noncompliance with 7 to 90 days to correct; unresolved violations go to municipal court for prosecution or abatement under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C., with each day of continued violation a separate offense, and the city may revoke or suspend the rental license or registration.

Rental Registration

Westminster requires every rental property owner to either hold a rental property license or register the dwelling with the City, tied to a periodic inspection cycle that runs every two to six years depending on the building's age.

Key details: License or registration: required for every rental owner. New license fee: $50.00 plus $40/unit inspection. Registration fee: none, no renewal required. License term: 2-6 years, based on building age. Agent proximity rule: owner/agent within 50 miles.

Violating Chapter 12 or obstructing a required inspection is unlawful under Section 5-12-7(C), punishable under Section 1-8-1, W.M.C., with each day of continued violation a separate offense; a license or registration may also be cancelled, suspended, revoked, or summarily suspended for up to 30 days for immediate health and safety protection under Section 5-12-8.

This is one of the stricter rules in Westminster's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

The Bottom Line

Westminster's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Westminster is broadly strict or permissive.

Keep in mind that Westminster can amend these rules at any council meeting. For the most current version of any rule mentioned here, check the specific ordinance page, where we track updates as they happen.