Denver, CO Rental Inspections: Tenant Complaint Process (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- DRMC § 27-240(b)
- Notice triggers
- Lease signing, rent demand, subsidy termination
- Enforcing agency
- Dept. of Public Health and Environment
- Inspection authority
- DRMC § 27-26 authorizes entry to inspect
- Penalty
- Administrative citation; possible license suspension
Summary
Denver landlords must hand tenants a city-approved notice explaining minimum housing standards and exactly how to file a complaint about violations, delivered at lease signing and again if eviction or subsidy-termination proceedings begin.
The landlord or agent shall provide written notice of tenants' rights and resources on a form provided or approved by the city. Such notice shall contain information concerning minimum housing standards required under article II of chapter 27; resources and information on how to make a complaint related to minimum housing standards; a statement regarding tenants' legal rights when receiving a notice to vacate their premises, in any court proceeding related to their rental housing, and the right to utilize or seek legal representation; and how to locate rental assistance and legal service providers.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 147 Update 3).
Full Breakdown
Denver Revised Municipal Code § 27-240(b) requires every landlord or agent to provide tenants a written, city-approved notice covering the minimum housing standards set out in DRMC Chapter 27, Article II, plus resources and instructions for making a complaint about those standards. The notice must be delivered at lease execution, whenever the owner posts a rent-demand notice under C.R.S. § 13-40-104, and whenever the Denver Housing Authority or another subsidy provider moves to terminate a tenant's subsidy or tenancy. Complaints feed into the housing-code enforcement chain: the manager of the Department of Public Health and Environment can inspect the dwelling under § 27-26 and issue a notice of violation under § 27-27.
Violations & Fines
Skipping the notice triggers administrative citations under DRMC Chapter 2, Article XII; a residential rental licensee who fails to comply can also face license suspension, revocation, or other sanctions under § 27-200.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who handles a minimum-housing-standards complaint in Denver?
When must a Denver landlord give tenants the complaint notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Denver
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