Key Takeaways
- Colorado Fair Housing Act (C.R.S. 24-34-501) provides broader protections than federal law
- Colorado adds sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, and creed as protected classes
- The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) enforces state fair housing laws
- Complaints must be filed within one year of the alleged discriminatory act
- Penalties include actual damages, civil penalties, and injunctive relief
Colorado Fair Housing Laws
Important: This content covers Colorado-specific fair housing provisions. You should complete the National Real Estate Exam Prep first, as federal fair housing law is heavily tested on the national portion.
Colorado provides broader fair housing protections than federal law.
Colorado Fair Housing Act
The Colorado Fair Housing Act (C.R.S. 24-34-501 et seq.) prohibits discrimination in housing.
Protected Classes
| Class | Federal | Colorado |
|---|---|---|
| Race | Yes | Yes |
| Color | Yes | Yes |
| Religion | Yes | Yes |
| Sex | Yes | Yes |
| National Origin | Yes | Yes |
| Disability | Yes | Yes |
| Familial Status | Yes | Yes |
| Sexual Orientation | No | Yes |
| Gender Identity | No | Yes |
| Marital Status | No | Yes |
| Ancestry | No | Yes |
| Creed | No | Yes |
Exam Tip: Colorado adds 5 protected classes beyond federal law: sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, and creed.
Enforcement
Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD)
The CCRD is responsible for:
- Investigating fair housing complaints
- Mediating disputes
- Taking enforcement action
- Coordinating with HUD
Filing a Complaint
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time Limit | Within 1 year of discriminatory act |
| Filing Location | CCRD or HUD |
| Investigation | CCRD investigates within statutory timeframe |
| Resolution | Conciliation, hearing, or court action |
Prohibited Acts
Under Colorado law, it is illegal to:
Housing Discrimination
- Refuse to sell, rent, or negotiate based on protected class
- Discriminate in terms or conditions of housing
- Make discriminatory statements in advertising
- Represent unavailability when housing is available
- Blockbusting - Inducing sales by suggesting neighborhood change
- Steering - Directing buyers to/from certain neighborhoods
Lending Discrimination
- Unequal loan terms based on protected class
- Discriminatory appraisal practices
- Redlining
Penalties for Violations
Administrative Penalties
| Offense | Maximum Penalty |
|---|---|
| First violation | Civil penalties |
| Repeat violations | Increased penalties |
| Pattern and practice | Additional sanctions |
Additional Remedies
- Actual damages - Out-of-pocket losses
- Punitive damages - For intentional discrimination
- Injunctive relief - Court orders to stop discrimination
- Attorney's fees - Reasonable legal costs
Exemptions
Limited exemptions may exist:
| Exemption | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Owner-occupied small building | 4 or fewer units, owner lives there |
| Single-family home (FSBO) | No broker, no discriminatory advertising |
| Religious organizations | For members (race cannot be restricted) |
| Private clubs | For members only |
| Senior housing | Meets 55+ or 62+ requirements |
Important: Even with exemptions, discriminatory advertising is NEVER allowed, and real estate licensees cannot participate in discrimination.
Broker Responsibilities
Licensed brokers must:
- Treat all parties equally regardless of protected class
- Not follow discriminatory instructions from clients
- Refuse to participate in any form of discrimination
- Report discriminatory behavior
- Display fair housing poster in office
- Use fair housing compliant advertising
Which protected class is included in Colorado fair housing law but NOT federal law?
Which agency enforces fair housing laws in Colorado?