Carlos Hernandez found himself in a difficult situation last year when he was hit with a $5,000 early lease termination fee for his mother’s apartment after her death. In response to his story, state Rep. Ron Weinberg introduced House Bill 1108, which aims to prohibit such penalties for early lease termination due to a tenant’s death. The bipartisan bill cleared its first committee hearing with an 11-2 vote.
Hernandez’s experience with Avenida at Centerra, an international rental company, shed light on the issue of landlords penalizing grieving families. The bill has garnered support from both Democrats and Republicans, as well as the Colorado Apartment Association.
While some property managers have expressed concerns about the bill potentially impacting their flexibility, supporters believe it is a necessary step to protect tenants during vulnerable times. Hernandez’s fees were eventually waived, but he believes it was more about saving face than doing the right thing.
The bill aims to prevent other families from facing similar situations and ensure that landlords act with compassion and fairness. By sharing his story, Hernandez hopes to bring attention to a broader issue and push for legislative change to protect tenants in Colorado.
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