DENVER (KDVR) — The Denver Department of Taxation and Licensing is cracking down on bad landlords, adding thousands of dollars to fines already reaching $999.
The city told FOX31 that 28,000 owners have complied with the regulations since a license was first required in 2023, but some are holding back, instead paying fines when violations are documented.
“People don’t have to live in a place that has mold or doesn’t have functional plumbing,” company spokesman Eric Escudero told FOX31.
To incentivize property owners to comply with licensing requirements, the city sends a warning letter and then issues fines ranging from $150 to $999 depending on the violation.
Now the city is proposing to raise the maximum fine to $5,000.
“This doesn’t mean every unlicensed property owner is going to get a $5,000 fine; that is, if we can’t get them to the finish line after several months of trying,” Escudero said.
FOX31 spoke with renters and other residents who say landlords should be held accountable.
“If you’re going to be a landlord, you’ve got to love doing the landlord’s job,” one resident said.
FOX31 Troubleshooting visited a property known as Felix Apartments in January of 2024 after receiving a complaint from a tenant who said she had been without hot water for seven months.
FOX31 learned from the city this week that the complex, now under new ownership, is unlicensed. Our staff has reached out to the new ownership and we are still waiting for a statement.
“We’ve been working with them to try to help them and do everything we can to try to get them to get the license they need,” Escudero told FOX31.
Some residents told FOX31 off camera that there are still problems at the complex. The city says this is just one example of many property owners who need some extra encouragement in the form of a stiff fine.
“It’s to help us take steps to weed out irresponsible landlords in Denver, at a minimum, to get them licensed and make sure their property is safe,” Escudero said.
The Metro Denver Apartment Association released the following statement to FOX31.
“Rents in Denver today are lower than they were three years ago. This is a reflection of the increased supply of rental housing, which requires people willing to invest in and provide rental housing. Imposing fines on rental housing providers is not a good way to encourage investment in additional rental housing,” the Metro Denver Apartment Association said.
The new fines will be equal to what the city’s health department imposes on violations. If passed, the increased fines could take effect before the end of 2025.