Colorado Housing Advocates Warn of Hidden Lead Hazards as Rental Market Tightens
As Colorado's competitive housing market pushes more families to consider older rentals, local housing advocates are raising alarms about potential lead contamination and illegal dwelling units across the Front Range. A recent out-of-state case highlights risks that Colorado renters should be watching for.
"Colorado families need to be especially vigilant about rental safety given our state's aging housing stock," says Maria Gonzalez, Executive Director of the Colorado Housing Coalition. "With many pre-1978 homes in neighborhoods like Old Colorado City and central Denver, lead exposure remains a serious concern."
Warning Signs Colorado Renters Should Know
Housing experts recommend Colorado residents watch for these red flags when renting:
- Flaking or peeling paint in pre-1978 buildings
- Unpermitted construction or living spaces
- Landlords conducting their own renovations without proper lead-safe work practices
- Units lacking proper fire exits or safety features
According to public health records, lead poisoning remains a persistent threat in Colorado's older neighborhoods. Children under 6 are especially vulnerable to developmental impacts.
Know Your Rights as a Colorado Renter
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment requires landlords to:
- Disclose known lead hazards before signing a lease
- Use certified contractors for renovations in pre-1978 buildings
- Maintain valid certificates of occupancy for rental units
- Address safety violations promptly when reported
"My number one priority is my family's health and survival," shared one affected tenant in a similar case. "I'm angry. I'm upset. I feel betrayed, disrespected."
Resources for Colorado Families
Colorado Springs and Denver metro residents can contact their local health departments for:
- Free lead testing for children under 6
- Rental unit safety inspections
- Reporting of unsafe housing conditions
- Emergency rental assistance if forced to relocate
With Colorado's housing crunch continuing, experts urge families to thoroughly investigate potential rentals and document any safety concerns. Local housing advocacy groups provide free consultation to help renters understand their rights and identify potential hazards before signing a lease.
This article contains AI-generated content and reflects opinion only. Readers are encouraged to verify all information independently before drawing conclusions or making decisions.
