Can renters in Colorado be required to earn more than double their rent?

Landlords in Colorado can require that tenants earn up to 200% of their annual rent, but state law bars them from setting their income requirements any higher.

The 200% limit is part of Senate Bill 184, which introduced new statewide protections for renters in 2023. Prior to the passage of the law, landlords could require that tenants earn up to three times their annual rent. 

Additionally, landlords cannot consider or even ask about a person’s income, except to confirm they meet the property’s income requirement, and security deposits can be no greater than two months’ rent. Rental or credit history older than seven years cannot be considered. 

If an applicant is seeking to rent with assistance from housing subsidies, landlords may not consider credit score, adverse credit or lack of credit score unless required by federal law. 

Landlords violating Senate Bill 184 can incur a penalty of up to $2,500.