Here to help you understand your Mediation Options, courtesy of Centennial Business Solutions and BaiMei, your bilingual mediation specialist.

Landlord's Rental Checklist

Tenant screening is the first step to a successful rental property investment. Under the Fair Housing Act and Colorado law, you must comply with anti-discrimination rules, but you can set reasonable and legal rental criteria.

✅ Legal and Common Screening Criteria:

1. Credit Report

• Recommended score: 650 or above

• Services like TransUnion SmartMove or RentSpree are commonly used

2. Proof of Income

• A typical rule: Monthly income should be at least 2.5–3x the rent

• Request recent pay stubs or tax returns

3. Rental History

• Check for past evictions

• Contact previous landlords to verify rent payment and behavior

4. Criminal Background Check

• Allowed, but you must avoid blanket bans

• You cannot automatically deny all applicants with criminal records; you must consider the nature, severity, and relevance of the crime

5. Interview

• Speak in person or on the phone to assess reliability and communication

⚠️ Legal Compliance:

• You may not discriminate based on race, color, gender, family status, national origin, disability, or religion (Fair Housing Act)

• You may not ask about or reject someone based on immigration status (Colorado HB19-1124 prohibits this)

🛠️ 2. How Should Landlords Handle Tenant Disputes?

Colorado has clear landlord-tenant laws. Landlords should always follow legal procedures to reduce risk.

🔧 Common Disputes and How to Handle Them:

Type of Dispute         Solution

Nonpayment of Rent Serve a 10-Day Notice to Pay or Quit

Lease Violation         Serve a 10-Day Notice to Cure or Quit

Repair Issues                 Address within a reasonable time; otherwise, tenant may be entitled to reduced    rent, repairs, or lease termination

Breaking the Lease Early Landlord may claim unpaid rent, but must try to re-rent promptly

Security Deposit Disputes Must return deposit or itemized deductions within 30 days (or up to 60 days if lease allows)

🏛️ 3. Legal and Mediation-Based Solutions:

✅ Recommended Steps:

1. Communicate First

• Always keep written records (texts, emails, WeChat)

2. Issue Formal Written Notices

• Use legally compliant forms like the 10-Day Notice

3. Mediation

• Many counties offer free or low-cost mediation, great for avoiding lawsuits and resolving issues between English- and Chinese-speaking parties

• Contact: Jefferson County Mediation, Larimer County Mediation Services

4. File in Small Claims Court

• For disputes involving amounts under $7,500 (e.g., rent or deposits)

• Filing fees: $31–$55 depending on amount

• You can represent yourself (no attorney required)

5. Eviction Lawsuit (FED)

• If the tenant won’t cooperate or leave, you can file an eviction case at the county court

🌐 Helpful Resources:

• Colorado Renter Rights Overview:

https://cdola.colorado.gov/renter-rights

• Small Claims Court Help:

https://www.courts.state.co.us/Self_Help/smallclaims/

• Mediation Services (Free or Low Cost):

• Larimer County Mediation Services

• Jefferson County Mediation Program

• Boulder Community Mediation Service