Eviction Protections For Residential Tenants

The bill requires a landlord and residential tenant to participate in mandatory mediation prior to commencing an eviction action if the residential tenant receives supplemental security income, federal social security disability insurance, or cash assistance through the Colorado works program (collectively, "cash assistance"). The landlord and residential tenant do not have to participate in mediation if the residential tenant did not disclose or declined to disclose in writing to the landlord that the residential tenant receives cash assistance. Failure to comply with mandatory mediation is an affirmative defense.

The bill prohibits a law enforcement officer from executing a writ of restitution against a residential tenant for at least 30 days after the entry of judgment if the residential tenant receives cash assistance.

The bill requires a written rental agreement to include a statement that a residential tenant who receives cash assistance has a right to mediation prior to the landlord filing an eviction complaint with the court.

The bill prohibits a written rental agreement from including a waiver of mandatory mediation.

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)