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What can I do about disruptive college student tenants?

What can I do about disruptive college student tenants?

Q: Can I charge my tenants for damages caused during their lease?

Yes, you can charge your tenants for damages they cause during their lease. Under Colorado law, you can recover costs for any damages beyond normal wear and tear. Make sure to document the damages and provide evidence to support your claim when discussing it with your tenants or if you pursue legal action.

Full question:

I own a square plot in Fort Collins, Colorado which is divided into four smaller plots. Each of these plots has a 1200 sq. ft. fully furnished house. These are rented out to different families. For the first time, I rented out one of them to a couple of college students. Things have taken a bad turn. The premise of the house is always messed up and they have parties that disrupt the whole neighborhood. In the past two months, I have had to engage people twice to clean the premise. What do I do in this situation?

Category: Landlord Tenant
Subcategory: Residential Lease
Date: 04/07/2025
State: Colorado

Answer:

In Colorado, tenants have specific responsibilities under the law (C.R.S. 38-12-504). They must maintain their rental unit in a clean and safe manner and not disturb their neighbors. If your tenants are failing to meet these obligations, you have several options:

You can recover any damages caused by the tenants.
You may sue the tenants for damages.
You can deduct cleaning costs from their security deposit.
If the situation does not improve, you may begin eviction proceedings.

It's important to document any issues and communications with the tenants to support your case if you need to take action.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

Can I evict my college student tenants for disruptive behavior?

Yes, you can begin eviction proceedings if your college student tenants are consistently disruptive and failing to maintain the property as required by Colorado law (C.R.S. 38-12-504). Document any disturbances and your communications with them. If the situation does not improve after addressing the issues, you may have grounds for eviction. It's advisable to follow legal procedures to avoid complications.

What are my rights as a landlord in Colorado?

As a landlord in Colorado, you have the right to expect your tenants to maintain a clean and safe living environment and not disturb neighbors. If they violate these terms, you can take action, such as recovering damages, deducting cleaning costs from their security deposit, or pursuing eviction. Always document any issues to support your case.

How can I handle noisy tenants in Colorado?

To handle noisy tenants in Colorado, first communicate your concerns directly with them. If the noise continues, document the disturbances and any interactions. You may then consider taking further action, such as deducting cleaning costs from their security deposit or starting eviction proceedings if necessary. It's crucial to follow the legal process to protect your rights.

What can I do if my tenants refuse to clean the property?

If your tenants refuse to clean the property, you can remind them of their responsibilities under Colorado law (C.R.S. 38-12-504). If they continue to neglect their duties, you may deduct cleaning costs from their security deposit or pursue eviction. Keep detailed records of the condition of the property and any communications regarding cleanliness.