Bill > HB1168

This bill provides comprehensive housing protections for victim-survivors of gender-based violence, including unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, and domestic abuse. The legislation recognizes that such violence can cause housing instability and creates several key protections for tenants: landlords cannot terminate a lease or evict a tenant solely because they are a victim-survivor, tenants can break a lease without penalty if they provide documentation of their status, and landlords must offer flexible repayment plans for missed rent. The bill also requires landlords to maintain the confidentiality of a victim-survivor's information, allows tenants to change locks and take safety precautions without penalty, and prohibits landlords from charging fees or taking adverse actions against tenants who are victim-survivors. Additionally, the legislation provides for potential civil action and damages if a landlord violates these protections, with victims potentially able to recover statutory damages, attorney fees, and other compensation. The bill aims to preserve victim-survivors' housing stability, safety, and autonomy by broadly interpreting and construing laws to protect their rights, recognizing that safe and stable housing is crucial to a victim-survivor's ability to escape and recover from abusive situations.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1168