The City of Boulder has adopted a Housing Code that regulates privately and publicly owned dwellings to promote conservation and efficient use of energy in dwellings, protect safety, and promote the general welfare by establishing minimum standards for housing.

Every rental unit in the City of Boulder is required to have a rental license. To be licensed, the unit must meet the standards set forth in the Housing Code ("no owner or operator shall fail to prevent any person from occupying any rental property as a tenant or lessee or otherwise for a valuable consideration . . . unless each room or group of rooms constituting the rental property has been inspected . . . and determined to be in compliance with all provisions of the Housing Code, as evidenced by a valid rental license issued by the City Manager"). The landlord must conspicuously post the rental license, or a copy, where it can be readily seen by tenants. Any occupant of a rental unit is obligated to give the owner access to any part of such dwelling or its adjacent premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of making such inspection, repairs, or alterations as are necessary to effect compliance with the Housing Code and Rental License Ordinance. A copy of the Boulder Housing Code may be obtained from the Department of Public Works, Inspection Services Division, Park Central Building, Fourth Floor, 1739 Broadway (441-3152). Or it may be read at, or a summary obtained from the University of Colorado Off-Campus Housing Office or the City of Boulder Community Mediation Service.

The Housing Code includes occupant responsibilities as well as owner/landlord responsibilities. It is a good idea for tenants to read and be familiar with the Housing Code.

Housing Codes in Colorado

Housing codes vary from city to city. Many Colorado cities do not have a housing code. Some counties have health codes enforced by the county health department. If you have questions about the existence of any city or county codes, contact your local city and/or county government.