DENVER (KDVR) — Colorado’s Attorney General Phil Weiser said that consumer complaints involving extra fees paid by renters are on the rise.

Weiser told FOX31 that in 2024, consumer complaints were up 20% over the year before, many involving landlord-tenant disputes over unexpected fees not identified in a lease.

“Deceptive unfair practices are on the rise, consumers are being mistreated; too often businesses will try things to see what they can get away with,” Weiser said.

Colorado has more than 400,000 apartment homes run by affiliates of the Colorado Apartment Association. Many renters told FOX31 that they are struggling to pay what they call unaffordable rent.

“It just doesn’t make any sense,” said one Denver renter. “I think last year they tried to up my rent $200.”

The addition of fees for special services is expected when outlined in the lease, but Weiser says some landlords are requiring tenants to pay surprise move-out fees.

“This moving out fee might appear to you like, ‘Oh I guess I should pay it,’ but do your homework, ask, ‘have I been told there was a moving out fee in the lease?’” he said.

Weiser cited one case in which his office won a million-dollar judgment for affected consumers and provided restitution. The Colorado Apartment Association provides resources for renters, including a legal handbook.

Weiser told FOX31 the other top complaints of 2024 included false advertising in retail, unfair return policies and fraudulent professional services.

Read the full article on Fox31 | By Shaul Turner