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On April 10th, 1959, Colorado became the first State in the nation to pass fair housing laws. Sixty years later, Colorado’s Fair Housing laws prohibit discrimination based on disability, race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, familial status, religion, national origin, or ancestry. Colorado’s fair housing laws even predate federal fair housing laws - Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act, also known as the Fair Housing Act (“FHA”) will turn 51 on April 11th. April is Fair Housing Month, so take some time to learn more about Colorado’s fair housing laws and the agency that enforces them.
Do Colorado’s Fair Housing Laws Apply to Me?
The Colorado Civil Rights Division (“CCRD”) is collaborating with the Division of Real Estate (“DRE”) to help Colorado Consumers and Housing Providers “Take 5 to Get Wise” and understand the applicability of fair housing laws, identify common issues related to fair housing, and explain the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved in housing transactions when it comes to fair housing.
Over the next year CCRD and DRE will be reaching across the state to discuss fair housing laws and how they affect Colorado Consumers and Housing Providers. Please take a minute and let us know what you want to learn about.
Colorado Civil Rights Division (“CCRD”)
CCRD is the Division of DORA tasked with enforcement of the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (“CADA”). CADA prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and places of public accommodation. If you are involved in the sale, rental, transfer, or lease of “any building, structure, vacant land, or part thereof,” then you are likely subject to Colorado’s fair housing laws (as well as the federal Fair Housing Act). The exemption to Colorado’s fair housing laws is narrow: they are not applicable to rooms offered for lease or rent within a single family home which is maintained and occupied by the owner (this is sometimes referred to as the “Mrs. Murphy’s exemption”) See C.R.S. § 24-34-501 (2). Therefore, Colorado’s fair housing laws are applicable to anyone from a Real Estate Broker, an HOA board member, a Community Association Manager, or an Apartment Leasing Officer. A key step to understanding fair housing as a concept, is to understand the relevant terms as defined in CADA and used by the CCRD, so click here to get familiar with the definitions and acronyms. Contact CCRD at 303-894-2997 or email at DORA_CCRD@state.co.us.
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Division of Real Estate
The Division of Real Estate (“the Division”) within the Department of Regulatory Agencies is dedicated to preserving the integrity of the marketplace along with promoting a fair and competitive business environment in Colorado. This balance is accomplished by establishing professional standards through appropriate and meaningful regulations. Colorado consumers are protected by the Division’s oversight of licensed professionals and related programs, which include: Appraisal Management Companies, Community Association Managers, Homeowner Associations, Mortgage Loan Originators, Real Estate Appraisers, Real Estate Brokers, and Subdivision Developers. Contact the Division at 303-894-2166 or email at dora_realestate_website@state.co.us.
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