New legislation allows Colorado cities to temporarily manage rundown apartments to address safety issues
Aurora: Colorado lawmakers are stepping up to tackle the issue of rundown apartments. They’ve introduced a bill that lets cities take temporary control of these properties when owners don’t fix serious problems.
This new legislation, Senate Bill 20, was brought to the table at the start of the 2025 session. It’s backed by Democrats from Aurora and Denver, aiming to help local officials or the Attorney General step in when apartment complexes are in bad shape.
If a judge agrees, a caretaker can be appointed to manage the property for at least six months. They’ll use rent money to make necessary repairs before handing it back to the owner.
The bill comes as frustration grows over landlords who ignore issues. A company called CBZ Management has been in the spotlight for unsafe living conditions and rising crime in their buildings.
CBZ has several properties in Aurora and Denver, and many are either closed or under caretaker control due to ongoing problems like mold and pest infestations. Local officials have tried negotiating with CBZ for years, but their efforts have often been ignored.
Senator Mike Weissman, who represents parts of Aurora, said this bill is a response to the lack of action on these issues. He believes it’s crucial to address the unsafe conditions affecting tenants.
The bill doesn’t create new rules but expands the power of local governments to enforce existing housing laws. Currently, tenants often have to take legal action themselves, which can be tough.
However, the Colorado Apartment Association is against the bill, calling it government overreach. They argue it gives too much power to local officials and the Attorney General.
Last year, a law was passed allowing the Attorney General to investigate housing violations, partly due to issues with CBZ. Local authorities have been cautious about closing properties, fearing it would displace residents.
Weissman believes having a caretaker is a good compromise. It allows for repairs without completely shutting down housing, which is vital in a state with a housing shortage.
Under the new bill, if a property has health violations that aren’t fixed in 30 days, officials can petition for a caretaker. A judge would oversee the process, ensuring the owner gets the property back after repairs.
Some properties have already been placed under caretaker control due to unpaid debts. Other states have similar laws, showing this isn’t a new idea.
While the apartment association sees this as a seizure of property, Weissman insists it’s about holding irresponsible landlords accountable. Most landlords do a good job, but some need to be pushed to act.
An Aurora committee has already shown support for the bill, and the Colorado Municipal League is reviewing it. They might suggest minor changes but seem open to backing it.
As the session is just getting started, the bill hasn’t been assigned a hearing date yet. It’s a developing story, so stay tuned for updates!
