A new bill in Colorado aims to empower local authorities to temporarily manage dilapidated apartment complexes in cases where owners neglect repairs. Inspired by ongoing issues with unresponsive landlords, particularly CBZ Management, the legislation would allow cities, counties, and the attorney general's office to petition a judge to place struggling properties under the control of a court-appointed caretaker. This caretaker would utilize rental income to address the property's issues before returning it to the original owner.
Colorado cities and counties could soon gain the authority to temporarily seize control of dilapidated apartment complexes from their owners under new legislation inspired by ongoing struggles with unresponsive landlords.
Introduced on the first day of the state legislature's 2025 session, the bill, backed by Aurora and Denver Democrats, would allow local officials or the Colorado Attorney General's Office to petition a judge to place apartment complexes with unaddressed problems under the temporary management of a court-appointed caretaker for at least six months. This caretaker would then utilize rental payments to rectify the property's issues before returning it to the original owner. The proposed measure arises from the frustration of local officials in the metro Denver area who have faced difficulties, and increasing exasperation, with landlords and property owners who have either delayed or outright refused to address longstanding problems with their properties. Recently, much of their public attention has focused on CBZ Management, a company with a history of neglecting its properties. All four of CBZ's Aurora properties either have closed, are scheduled to close soon, or have been placed under the control of a court-appointed caretaker. Its three Denver properties remain open, although local authorities are pursuing legal action against CBZ and its associated company due to their failure to address conditions at its Uptown building.Unsafe conditions, including persistent mold, pest infestations, deteriorating infrastructure, and recurring issues with heat and hot water, have plagued CBZ properties in both Denver and Aurora for years. These persistent problems have exasperated tenants and prompted numerous complaints, fines, and investigations, as documented by records and reports from The Denver Post. Before Aurora initiated the closure of CBZ's buildings several months ago, the city's officials were left grappling with limited options to address the situation. Senator Mike Weissman, a Democrat representing parts of Aurora where CBZ's buildings are located, stated, 'Frankly, the lack of an adequate remedy for a really, really bad situation like (CBZ) is very much part of what inspired this bill.' He expressed concern over conditions at other nearby properties as well. SB-20 is also sponsored by Denver Democrats Representative Javier Mabrey and Julie Gonzales, as well as Aurora Democratic Representative Mandy Lindsay. Bud Slatkin, a lawyer representing CBZ's owners and its constituent companies, did not respond to an email seeking comment.
Law & Politics Housing Laws Landlord-Tenant Disputes Unsafe Housing Colorado Legislature CBZ Management
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