Colorado Housing Advocates Warn of Hidden Lead Dangers as Illegal Rental Cases Rise Nationwide
A troubling case of lead contamination and illegal housing in Milwaukee has prompted Colorado housing advocates to raise awareness about similar risks facing Centennial State families, particularly in older homes across Denver's historic neighborhoods and Colorado Springs' pre-1978 housing stock.
"This could absolutely happen here in Colorado," says Maria Rodriguez, Executive Director of Colorado Housing Justice Alliance. "Many of our historic neighborhoods, especially in areas like Old Colorado City and Capitol Hill, have homes that may contain lead paint under newer coatings."
Local Impact for Colorado Families
According to public housing records, Colorado has thousands of pre-1978 rental units that could potentially contain lead paint. Local housing inspectors emphasize the importance of proper remediation and legal rental compliance.
- Over 60% of Denver's housing stock was built before 1978, when lead paint was banned
- Colorado Springs has approximately 35,000 pre-1978 rental units
- State law requires landlords to disclose known lead hazards to tenants
Protecting Colorado Renters
Denver Housing Inspector James Martinez advises Colorado families to be vigilant: "Before signing any lease, request lead testing documentation and verify that all living spaces are legally permitted for residential use. Your family's safety depends on it."
"We're seeing an increasing number of cases where desperate families accept substandard housing due to our tight rental market. This puts Colorado children at particular risk for lead exposure," explains Dr. Sarah Chen, pediatrician at Children's Hospital Colorado.
Know Your Rights
Colorado renters have specific legal protections regarding housing safety and habitability. Local experts recommend:
- Request lead disclosure forms before signing any lease
- Contact county health departments for inspection concerns
- Document all communication with landlords about safety issues
- Seek legal assistance if landlords fail to address hazards
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment offers free lead testing for qualifying families and maintains a database of certified lead remediation contractors for property owners seeking to address contamination safely and legally.
For Colorado families concerned about potential lead exposure or illegal dwelling situations, resources are available through local health departments and housing assistance programs in both the Denver metro area and Pikes Peak region.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
