Longmont officials want more info

State House bill would prevent landlords from forcing tenants out without cause

Longmont officials want to know more about a proposed state law that would stop landlords from evicting tenants in certain situations.

Colorado House Bill 24-1098 would stop a landlord from evicting a residential tenant from a property unless there is a cause for eviction such as a tenant not paying rent or repeatedly violating the terms of the rental agreement.

Supporters say the proposed state law would protect residential tenants from eviction. Some Longmont city staffers called the bill “well-meaning,” but recommended that the city council oppose the proposed law.

Longmont City Manager Harold Dominguez acknowledged during Tuesday’s city council meeting that there are problematic landlords who will “take advantage of individuals.”

“That doesn’t necessarily mean that every landlord is doing that, and what we’re concerned about is those that aren’t doing it,” Dominguez said. “It puts them in a different situation that ultimately impacts the overall housing stock. That’s the worst fear.”

The bill also would create a “nofault eviction” process for residential tenants in the event that the property they have been renting would be demolished, substantially renovated, occupied by the landlord or a family member of the landlord and a few other specific reasons. In those instances, a landlord must give tenants 90 days notice.

If a landlord initiates a no-fault eviction but fails to give timely notice, the landlord would have to provide relocation help in the form of two to three months rent.

Staffers have concerns that the policy could lead to landlords raising rates due to them possibly having to cover relocation expenses for tenants.

“Affordable housing is a top priority for the city council, and while this bill is well-meaning, the unintended consequences may be great,” city staffers said

in a written recommendation to the council.

Ultimately, the council voted 6-1 not to take a formal position on the bill and directed staff to bring back additional information concerning it.

Councilmember Diane Crist cast the lone no vote.

During the portion of Tuesday’s city council meeting when the public is invited to be heard, Longmont resident Kathy Partridge

spoke in favor of the proposed legislation.

“(House Bill 1098) is somewhat revolutionary in that it shifts the burden to the landlord to be able to document reasons not to rent to someone instead of a burden on the tenant to find a new home when the landlord decides capriciously that they no longer want to rent to them,” Partridge said.

“If we are serious about keeping people housed, which is much cheaper than building new housing, Longmont should support House Bill 1098.”