Lakewood, CO Rental Property Rules: Repairs & Habitability (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum indoor temp
- 68°F (65°F in mild climates)
- Heating season
- Oct 31 – May 31
- Applies to
- Rented dwelling & sleeping units
- Enforced by
- Building Official, Ch. 14.19
Summary
Lakewood landlords must supply heat to rented dwelling and sleeping units from October 31 through May 31, keeping habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms at a minimum 68°F under the city's local amendment to the IPMC.
602.3 Heat Supply. Every owner and operator of any building who rents, leases or lets one or more dwelling units or sleeping units on terms, either expressed or implied, to furnish heat to the occupants thereof shall supply heat during the period from October 31st to May 31st to maintain a minimum temperature of 68°F (20° C) in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 14 | Zoning Ordinance: ?).
Full Breakdown
The City of Lakewood amended IPMC Section 602.3 to require every owner or operator who rents, leases, or lets a dwelling or sleeping unit to furnish heat during the October 31 to May 31 heating season, maintaining a minimum 68°F in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. If the outdoor temperature falls below the winter design temperature in Appendix D of the International Plumbing Code, the minimum need not be held provided the heating system runs at full capacity; in milder climates, 65°F applies instead. This is a mandatory statutory duty on landlords, not a discretionary practice, enforced under Chapter 14.19 of the Lakewood Municipal Code.
Violations & Fines
Failing to supply the required minimum heat to a rented unit during the October 31-May 31 season is a violation subject to a notice of violation, prosecution, and penalties under LMC § 1.16.020.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature must a Lakewood landlord maintain?
Is there an exception to the heat rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Lakewood
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