The Denver Gazette on March 28 highlighted concerns over a bill aimed at limiting evictions without a substantial reason, emphasizing that its basis seems more anecdotal than analytical. This legislation restricts evictions to specific causes such as rent non-payment, plans to sell the property, lease violations, substantial property repairs, or property damage by the tenant. However, it introduces the possibility for tenants to legally challenge evictions, raising disputes over their validity. Recent legislative sessions in Colorado have aimed to bolster tenant protections in response to the escalating affordable housing crisis in Denver and statewide. House Bill 24-1098 seeks to clarify "just cause" for evictions, raising concerns that economic interventions by politicians often result in unintended consequences for those they intend to help. Critics argue that such regulations elevate operational costs for landlords, potentially leading to higher rental prices due to the bill's implications. Furthermore, the legal background of many state legislators is seen as a factor likely to encourage litigation, with tenants increasingly turning to lawsuits to avert eviction. The editorial also references Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, who shared an anecdote about a 67-year-old constituent's alleged retaliatory eviction following complaints about inadequate heating, alongside other eviction scenarios involving personal disputes or political disagreements, though these instances lack substantial evidence and appear to be infrequent. With the introduction of House Bill 24-1098, tenants who have either fallen behind on rent for several months or have a history of property damage may now claim their eviction is retaliatory. This legislation allows for legal challenges to eviction causes, potentially halting the eviction process and enabling tenants to remain in their homes pending court decisions. This development is seen as undermining property owners' rights and could lead landlords to raise rents in an already expensive market. As the House and Senate prepare to reconcile different versions of the bill on April 2nd, constituents are encouraged to share their opinions with their representatives and senators, highlighting their stance on House Bill 24-1098 and the broader issues it raises concerning tenant rights and housing affordability. Full Bill can be reviewed by clicking here. Jennifer Mussato is president at Denver-based First and Main RE powered by KW Commercial, a real estate group that specializes in land, acquisitions, dispositions, commercial leasing, and investment strategies.
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