Colorado Pet Agreement Addendum
Pet Policy Addendum to Residential Lease – HB 24-1035 Compliant
This Pet Agreement Addendum authorizes tenant(s) to keep specific pet(s) at the rental property subject to the terms below. Colorado’s HB 24-1035 (effective August 7, 2024) limits pet deposits to $300 maximum and monthly pet rent to $35 maximum. This addendum becomes part of the lease agreement and must be signed by all parties.
⚖️ Colorado Pet Fee Limits (HB 24-1035)
🏛️ COLORADO LAW – PET FEE CAPS (Effective August 7, 2024)
Note: HB 24-1035 applies to most residential rentals in Colorado. Landlords may still deny pets entirely, restrict breeds/sizes, or set reasonable pet rules. The law only caps fees when pets ARE permitted.
🏠 Property and Lease Information
👔 Landlord/Property Manager
👤 Tenant Information
🐕 Pet #1 Information
🐾 Pet Details
💰 Pet Fees (Per Colorado Law HB 24-1035)
📊 Total Pet Fees Summary
📜 Pet Rules and Requirements
Tenant agrees to comply with the following pet rules:
🚫 Restrictions
Breed Restrictions (if any)
Fair Housing Note: Breed and weight restrictions do NOT apply to service animals or emotional support animals with proper documentation under the Fair Housing Act.
🛡️ Liability and Insurance
Indemnification: Tenant agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Landlord from any claims, damages, or legal actions arising from the tenant’s pet.
🚨 Violations and Pet Removal
Landlord may require removal of the pet if:
✍️ Signatures
By signing below, all parties agree to the terms of this Pet Agreement Addendum. This addendum becomes part of the lease agreement.
Landlord/Property Manager
Tenant(s)
Colorado Pet Agreement Addendum – Complete Guide (HB 24-1035)
Colorado’s House Bill 24-1035, signed into law in 2024, significantly impacts how landlords can charge for pets in rental properties. The law caps pet deposits at $300 and monthly pet rent at $35 per pet, making Colorado one of the most pet-friendly states for renters.
Understanding HB 24-1035 Pet Fee Limits
| Fee Type | Maximum Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Deposit | $300 per pet | Refundable; separate from security deposit |
| Pet Rent | $35 per month per pet | Added to monthly rent |
| Service Animals | $0 | No fees permitted under fair housing laws |
| Assistance Animals | $0 | No fees permitted with proper documentation |
What Landlords Can Still Do
- Prohibit pets entirely: No-pet policies are still legal
- Restrict breeds: May prohibit specific breeds (not for service/assistance animals)
- Set weight limits: May establish maximum pet weight
- Limit number of pets: May cap how many pets are allowed
- Require vaccinations: May require proof of current vaccinations
- Charge for damages: May deduct from deposit for pet damage
- Require pet rent: Up to $35/month per pet
Service Animals vs. Pets
It’s crucial to understand the difference:
Service Animals (ADA)
- Individually trained to perform tasks for a person with a disability
- Limited to dogs (and in some cases miniature horses)
- NO pet deposits, fees, or rent can be charged
- Breed/weight restrictions do not apply
- Landlord may only ask two questions: Is this a service animal? What task does it perform?
Emotional Support Animals (Fair Housing Act)
- Provide emotional support through companionship
- Can be any type of animal
- NO pet deposits, fees, or rent can be charged
- Requires documentation from healthcare provider
- Landlord may request documentation of disability-related need
Pets
- Animals kept for companionship without disability-related need
- Subject to pet policies, deposits, and pet rent
- May be subject to breed/weight restrictions
- Subject to HB 24-1035 fee caps
Best Practices for Colorado Landlords
- Update pet policies: Ensure all pet fees comply with HB 24-1035
- Use written agreements: Document all pet approvals in writing
- Require vaccination records: Keep copies on file
- Conduct pet interviews: Meet the pet before approval
- Document property condition: Photos before and after pet moves in
- Train staff: Ensure all staff understand service animal rules
- Review insurance: Check coverage for pet-related liability
Pet Damage and Deposits
If a pet causes damage beyond normal wear and tear:
- Document damage with photos and written descriptions
- Obtain repair estimates or receipts
- Deduct from pet deposit first, then security deposit if needed
- Provide itemized statement to tenant
- Return remaining deposit within 30-60 days per Colorado law
Common Pet Damage Issues
- Carpet stains and odors (may require replacement)
- Scratched doors, trim, and hardwood floors
- Chewed blinds, baseboards, or fixtures
- Yard damage (holes, dead grass)
- Flea infestations requiring treatment
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This Pet Agreement Addendum is provided for informational purposes and complies with Colorado HB 24-1035 as of 2024. Pet policies involve fair housing considerations, especially regarding service and assistance animals. If you have questions about specific situations, reasonable accommodations, or fair housing compliance, consult with a Colorado attorney familiar with landlord-tenant and fair housing law.
