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
Last updated: January 2026
Colorado Fair Housing Laws
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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
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Test Your Knowledge
Which protected class is included in Colorado fair housing law but NOT federal law?
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B
C
D
Test Your Knowledge
Which agency enforces fair housing laws in Colorado?
A
B
C
D