File a Source-of-Income Fair Housing Complaint - Denver

Housing and Building Standards Colorado 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 07, 2026 Flag of Colorado

In Denver, Colorado, tenants and applicants who believe they faced housing discrimination because of source of income can file a complaint with the city enforcement office. This guide explains where to file, what information to include, likely enforcement outcomes, and practical steps to preserve evidence and meet deadlines. It summarizes official Denver resources and the municipal code sections that address housing discrimination and provides links to official complaint pages and the municipal code for verification.[1][2]

Keep written records of communications, offers, denials, and advertisements as you prepare a complaint.

Penalties & Enforcement

Denver enforces fair housing protections through the city Office of Human Rights (or the designated municipal enforcement office) and the municipal code provisions that prohibit discrimination in housing. Specific monetary fines, escalation rules, and statutory penalties are not specified on the cited municipal pages; see the official links for administrative procedures and remedies below.[1][2]

  • Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page.
  • Escalation: information on first, repeat, or continuing offences is not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: administrative orders, cease-and-desist directives, corrective remedies, or referral to civil court may be available under local enforcement procedures.
  • Enforcer and complaint intake: the City of Denver Office of Human Rights (or designated municipal office) accepts housing discrimination complaints and manages investigations.[1]
  • Appeals and review: the municipal process provides administrative review or appeal routes; precise time limits for appeal are not specified on the cited pages.
Official pages linked below should be checked for current procedures and any filing deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The city typically offers an online or downloadable complaint intake form on the Office of Human Rights website; the form name, filing fee, and submission method are specified on the office page. If a specific form number or filing fee is required it is not specified on the cited pages and applicants should use the official complaint page to access the intake form or instructions.[1]

How to Prepare a Complaint

  • Collect documents: leases, emails, text messages, screenshots of listings, proof of income source (benefits, vouchers).
  • Note dates: record when the discriminatory act occurred, and when you contacted the property or landlord.
  • Contact the Office of Human Rights for intake instructions and to confirm any deadlines.
  • Complete the official complaint form and attach evidence as instructed on the office website.

FAQ

Who enforces source-of-income housing protections in Denver?
The City of Denver Office of Human Rights or the municipal office charged with housing discrimination enforcement handles intake and investigations; see the office website for contact details.[1]
Is there a filing deadline for housing complaints?
Specific filing deadlines are not specified on the cited municipal pages; complainants should contact the Office of Human Rights promptly and consult the official complaint page for timelines.[1]
Can I file if I use a housing voucher or other public benefits?
Yes. Source-of-income protections typically cover vouchers and public benefit income where municipal law prohibits discrimination on that basis; check the municipal code and file with the local office if you believe discrimination occurred.[2]

How-To

  1. Identify and record the incident: date, parties, and nature of the discrimination.
  2. Gather documentation: leases, messages, listings, voucher or benefits paperwork.
  3. Visit the City of Denver Office of Human Rights complaint page and download or access the intake form.[1]
  4. Submit the completed intake form and attachments as instructed by the office (online, email, or in person).
  5. Cooperate with the investigation and follow any administrative directions from the enforcement office.

Key Takeaways

  • File promptly and preserve all written evidence related to the housing transaction.
  • Use the City of Denver Office of Human Rights complaint intake process for official filing.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Denver Office of Human Rights - complaint intake and contact
  2. [2] Denver Municipal Code - Code of Ordinances

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