Glossary · Definition
What is Fair Housing?
Fair Housing laws prohibit apartment communities from discriminating against renters based on protected categories. In Colorado, protected categories include race, color, religion, national origin, sex, familial status, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, source of income (including Section 8 vouchers), and military status.
Full Definition
The federal Fair Housing Act (1968) prohibits discrimination in rental housing based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status, and disability. Colorado state law expands these protections to include sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, source of income (added 2021 — includes housing vouchers), and military status.
Landlords cannot: refuse to rent based on these categories, set different terms or conditions, advertise preferences for or against certain groups, ask discriminatory questions, or 'steer' applicants to specific units or buildings based on these categories.
Discrimination can be subtle: a leasing agent saying a unit is unavailable to one applicant and showing it to another, applying different income requirements, or requiring different deposits based on protected categories.
How Fair Housing Works in Denver Specifically
Denver and Colorado are strong on fair housing enforcement. If you believe you've been discriminated against during an apartment search, Colorado Civil Rights Division (https://ccrd.colorado.gov) handles complaints. Working with an established bilingual locator like Juan David also helps — he advocates on your behalf and pre-screens for communities with good fair-housing track records.
Need Help Navigating This?
Juan David Rodriguez at Denver Apartment Pro is a bilingual (English/Spanish) apartment locator serving the Denver metro area. The service is free for renters because apartment communities pay the commission. Call, text, or WhatsApp (720) 560-2740.