Housing

Colorado.gov

Department Home

Housing and Home Ownership

Buying a Home

Is there a way to find out if my realtor is in good standing?
Search online to obtain to find information out about professionals in this and many other service fields.

How do I choose a Real Estate broker?
Choosing a real estate broker is a key element in a successful real estate transaction. Check out their credentials so you can make an informed choice.

What are some signs of discrimination when I’m buying a home?
If you feel you have been the victim of predatory lending because of your: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, disability, familial status, national origin, marital status, creed, or ancestry contact the Civil Rights Division.

Is it possible to find out if there is a sex offender living by my home or children’s school?
Visit the handy site provided by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation.

Eletrician Mortgages

Who regulates Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Lenders?
The Colorado Division of Real Estate regulates Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Lenders.
Second mortgage lenders/finance companies are licensed by the Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC) office.

How can I check if my real estate broker or mortgage lender is licensed?
DORA regulates many professions and business. Check their license status and disciplinary history before choosing a service provider.

Can I file for an electrical or plumbing permit online?
DORA’s online system was designed to allow homeowners and contractors to order electrical and plumbing permits, pay for them using a credit card, and request inspections via the Internet.

What are some indicators and sales practices of what is known as “predatory lending”? (Predatory lending is a loan designed to strip equity from the owner of the property; is an unaffordable or unreasonable loan designed to be refinanced repeatedly; and/or is a deceptive loan designed to force the owner into foreclosure).

Aggressive solicitations to targeted neighborhoods
Steering due to protected class to High Rate Lenders
Home Improvement Scams
Purposely structuring the loan with payments the buyer cannot afford
Falsifying loan applications such as inflated income level, assets or incorrect age
Changing loan terms at closing
Loans in excess of 100% of the value of the property
Adding insincere co-signers
Making loans to mentally incapacitated homeowners
Failure to provide accurate loan payoff amounts
Forging signatures on loan documents
Paying off lower interest mortgages

Insurance

How do I find out if my insurance agent is licensed and in good standing?
The Colorado Division of Insurance is your best source for information on company and producer and agency licensing.

What is Insurance Fraud?
Insurance fraud occurs when non-licensed entities or individuals sell illegal or bogus insurance.

What is Consumer Claim Fraud?
This happens when consumers deceive an insurance company or its agents by making false claims for financial gain.

Who Regulates Homeowner Association Management?
The Real Estate Commission investigates allegations of theft or dishonesty against a licensed broker performing management of associations.

Who handles Landlord/Tenant Issues?
Rights and obligations of respective parties are typically spelled out in the lease. For advice concerning disputes you should contact an attorney. General information can be obtained from the Community Housing Service at (303) 831-1935 or from the Resident Relations Helpline at (303) 320-1611.

Is a license required to sell manufactured homes in Colorado ?
Manufactured housing dealers are required to register with the Colorado Division of Housing in the Department of Local Affairs.

Movers and Transportation Services Mover

How do I find out information about towing companies?
Businesses that tow motor vehicles for hire must obtain a Towing Carrier Permit.

What rules and regulations are applicable to towing carriers?
See PUC rules 4 CCR 723-6, Rules 6500-6514.

What rules and regulations are applicable to household goods moving companies?
See PUC rules 4 CCR 723-6, Rules 6600-6610, or PUC publication “Understanding PUC Regulation of Household Goods Movers.”

How do I find information about the light rail and other public transportation options in the Denver Metro Area?
Contact the Regional Transportation District.

Energy Utilities

How can I compare telephone long distance rates?
The Office of the Consumer Counsel offers consumers a rate comparison.

How do I file a complaint against my utility company?
See the PUC publication, “Solving Problems and Answering Questions about Colorado Utility Companies.

What are my rights as a telephone company customer?
See the PUC publication, “Your Rights as a Telephone Company Customer.”

What are my rights as an electric or natural gas utility customer?
See the PUC publication, “Your Rights as an Electric or Natural Gas Utility Customer.”

Is my utility company regulated by the PUC?
See the PUC publication, “Determining Whether Your Utility problem is regulated by the PUC.”

What are all these charges on my telephone bill?
See the PUC publication “Understanding Your Telephone Bill.”

Is my telephone/broadband/internet/long distance/VoIP/wireless service regulated ()?
See the PUC publication “Solving Problems and Answering Questions about Unregulated Telephone Services.”

Who administers the Relay Colorado program and how does it work?
The Colorado Public Utilities Commission is responsible for the administration of the program.

Is there a telephone number I can call to locate underground cables before I dig?
Call 811 before you dig to have your utility lines marked for free.

Other Helpful Resources:

A Guide to Renter Rights and Responsibilities
Tenant Landlord Counseling 303.237.0230
Colorado Housing and Finance Authority 303.297.2432
Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation 303.572.9445
Colorado Foreclosure Prevention Hotline 877.601.HOPE