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Monday, Sep. 22, 2025

If a renter dies in Colorado, can their relatives be fined for a broken lease? 

Tyler Hickman, The Colorado Sun
no

Landlords cannot fine the families of deceased tenants in Colorado under a law that went into effect Sept. 1.

House Bill 1108 prohibits landlords from charging early lease termination fees when a tenant dies before the end of their rental agreement. 

If a renter dies before the end of their lease, the new law voids any lease clause requiring the refund of move-in discounts, predetermined costs for lease termination and other early termination penalties.

The bill was introduced after the family of Leticia Farrer was charged more than $5,000 in early termination fees following her death in January 2024. 

Other states have taken similar steps to limit tenant liability in the event of their death. In 2016, Pennsylvania passed a law allowing a tenant’s estate to terminate a lease as soon as two months after their death. 

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