Bipartisan Bill to Protect Families of Deceased Relatives Unanimously Passes Senate Committee

HB25-1108 would prevent landlords from going after family members when a tenant dies

DENVER, CO – Today, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Senator Jeff Bridges, D-Arapahoe County, to prevent landlords from going after family members to collect rent when a tenant dies unanimously passed the Senate Local Government and Housing Committee. 

“In the aftermath of the sudden death of a loved one, the last thing their families should be worried about is paying fees and damages for terminating a lease early,” Bridges said. “This bill would ensure family members aren’t on the hook for covering unreasonable outstanding costs associated with the deceased’s rental agreement so they can grieve in peace.”

Cosponsored by Senator Barb Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, HB25-1108, known as “Letty’s Act,” would prohibit a rental agreement from requiring the payment of certain costs if a lease is terminated due to the death of a tenant. These costs include liquidated damages, rent payments for a period that is beyond the end of the month or more than ten business days after the landlord is provided notice the unit is vacated, or fees, damages, or penalties associated with an early termination of the rental agreement.

A 2024 CBS story reported that a family was charged over $4,000 in fees and rent after their loved one died in her apartment, claiming that the death of the tenant meant that she broke her lease early.

HB25-1108 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.