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DENVER (KDVR) — Denver’s Department of Excise and Licenses is cracking down on bad landlords, adding thousands of dollars to fines that already range up to $999.
The city tells FOX31 that 28,000 landlords have complied with regulations since licensing was required for the first time in 2023, but some are refraining, instead paying fines as violations are documented.
“People don’t have to live in a place that has mold or has no functioning plumbing,” Spokesperson Eric Escudero told FOX31.
To motivate landlords to comply with licensing requirements, the city sends a warning letter then issues fines ranging from $150 to $999 dollars depending on the offense.
Now, the city is proposing raising the maximum fine to $5,000.
“That doesn’t mean everyone who’s an unlicensed landlord will get a $5,000 fine; that is if we can’t get them across the finish line after many months of trying,” said Escudero.
FOX31 spoke with renters and other residents who say landlords should be held accountable.
“If you’re going to be a landlord you need to like do the job of a landlord,” said one resident.
The FOX31 Problem Solvers visited a property known as the Felix Apartments in January of 2024 after receiving a complaint from a tenant who said she had been without hot water for seven months.
FOX31 learned from the city this week that the complex, now under new ownership, is unlicensed. Our staff reached out to the new ownership and we are still waiting for a statement.
“We’ve worked with them to try to help them and do whatever we can to try to get them to get the required license,” Escudero told FOX31.
Some residents told FOX31 off-camera that there are still problems at the complex. The city says that it is just one example of many property owners who need some extra encouragement in the form of a tough fine.
“It is to help us take steps to get rid of the most irresponsible landlords in Denver, at least, get them to get the license and make sure their property is safe,” said Escudero.
The Apartment Association of Metro Denver issued the following statement to FOX31.
“Rents in Denver are lower today than they were three years ago. This is a reflection of increased rental housing supply, which requires people willing to invest in and provide rental housing. Fining rental housing providers is not a good way to encourage investment in additional rental housing,” said the Apartment Association of Metro Denver.
The new fines would be equal to what the city’s health department imposes on violations. If passed, increased fines could go into effect before the end of 2025.
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Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
