Operative Text
(1) Whenever a landlord contracts with a utility for service to be provided to a resident, the usage of which is to be measured by a master meter or other composite measurement device, such landlord shall remit to the utility all moneys collected from each resident as payment for the resident's share of the charges for such utility service within forty-five days of the landlord's receipt of payment. (2) If a landlord fails to timely remit utility moneys collected from residents as required by subsection (1) of this section, such utility may, after written demand therefor is served upon the landlord, require the landlord to deposit an amount equal to the average daily charge for the usage of such utility service for the preceding twelve months multiplied by the sum of ninety. (3) Any utility which prevails in an action brought to enforce the provisions of this section shall be entitled to an award of its reasonable attorney fees and court costs.
Colorado Revised Statute § 38-12-212.7 governs situations where a landlord collects utility payments from residents whose usage is tracked through a shared master meter or similar device. Under this rule, the landlord must forward those collected funds to the utility company within 45 days of receiving them. If the landlord fails to do so, the utility may demand a security deposit equal to 90 times the average daily charge for the preceding 12 months, and a utility that wins a court action to enforce this rule can recover its attorney fees and court costs.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-212.7, operators who collect utility payments from residents served by a master meter or composite measurement device generally maintain clear records of each payment received and ensure those funds are forwarded to the utility within the 45-day window. Compliant operators track receipt dates carefully so that remittance deadlines are not missed. Failure to meet the deadline can expose a landlord to a written demand for a substantial security deposit and potential liability for the utility's legal fees if litigation follows.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-212.7 establishes that when a landlord collects utility payments from residents on a master-metered account, those funds must be passed along to the utility within 45 days. If a landlord is not forwarding collected payments, residents may find that the utility itself has enforcement tools available, including the ability to demand a deposit from the landlord and to seek attorney fees through a court action. Tenants who believe their landlord is mishandling collected utility funds may wish to contact a local tenant-rights organization or consult with a housing attorney to understand what options may be available under this provision.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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