Can a tenant hire a drying company directly?

Usually the landlord arranges building repairs. A tenant who hires someone without permission may end up responsible for the bill. If the landlord cannot be reached and damage is spreading, document your attempts to contact them and focus on protecting your belongings.

Does a landlord have to provide another place to stay?

It depends on the lease, the severity of the damage and applicable law. Many renters policies include coverage for additional living expenses, so check yours early. Tenant legal aid groups can explain current Colorado and Denver rules.

Who pays if the tenant caused the freeze?

That is a question for the lease, the insurers and possibly an attorney. Dated records of thermostat settings, heating complaints and communications are what each side will rely on.

Denver Rental Pipe Burst Worksheet for Landlords and Tenants

Typical responsibilities

General patterns. The lease, Colorado law and Denver rental rules govern your situation.

Tenant

Report the leak promptly, in writing as well as by phone
Take reasonable steps to limit damage, like moving belongings
Allow reasonable access for repairs and drying
Insure personal belongings under a renters policy
Avoid actions that cause freezing, such as turning heat off in winter

Landlord

Stop the source and arrange plumbing repair
Arrange drying and repairs to the building
Insure the building
Keep the unit habitable and communicate about timelines
Address conditions that left pipes exposed to freezing

Shared record to fill in together

Date and time the leak was reported, and how
Date and time the water was shut off
Plumber visit date and description of the repair
Mitigation start date and expected finish
Rooms affected and whether each is usable
Moisture readings showing drying is complete
Agreed dates for any repairs that require access

Questions each side should ask

Tenant: Is the unit safe and livable while drying equipment runs?
Tenant: Will I be notified before contractors enter?
Tenant: Does my renters policy cover temporary housing?
Landlord: Did the tenant notice anything before the break, such as low heat?
Landlord: Does my landlord policy cover lost rent while the unit is repaired?
Both: Who will contact the HOA or other units, if any?

Why the heat question matters

Many winter rental losses in Denver start with heat. A furnace failure in a single-family rental, a tenant who turned the thermostat down while travelling, or a vacant unit set too low between tenants can each lead to a frozen pipe. Leases often say what temperature must be maintained or how heating problems must be reported.

When responsibility is disputed, the records in the checklist above become important. Neither side benefits from guessing. Keep communication factual, dated and in writing.

Common questions

Can a tenant hire a drying company directly?: Usually the landlord arranges building repairs. A tenant who hires someone without permission may end up responsible for the bill. If the landlord cannot be reached and damage is spreading, document your attempts to contact them and focus on protecting your belongings.
Does a landlord have to provide another place to stay?: It depends on the lease, the severity of the damage and applicable law. Many renters policies include coverage for additional living expenses, so check yours early. Tenant legal aid groups can explain current Colorado and Denver rules.
Who pays if the tenant caused the freeze?: That is a question for the lease, the insurers and possibly an attorney. Dated records of thermostat settings, heating complaints and communications are what each side will rely on.

General information for Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.