Colorado's House Bill 25-1236 includes an important provision for landlords who rent to Section 8 and subsidized housing tenants: Portable Tenant Screening Reports (PTSRs) for voucher holders do not need to include credit history or credit scores.
This rule takes effect January 1, 2026, and aligns with Colorado's existing prohibition on using credit information to evaluate subsidized housing applicants—a protection established under Senate Bill 23-184 in 2023.
If you rent to Section 8 tenants or are considering it, here's what you need to know to stay compliant with Colorado's PTSR and fair housing laws.
For applicants using housing vouchers (Section 8, public housing, or other subsidized programs), PTSRs do not need to include:
This means a Section 8 applicant can submit a PTSR without credit information, and you must accept it as compliant under Colorado law.
This change aligns PTSR requirements with SB23-184, which already prohibits landlords from considering credit scores when evaluating applicants using housing subsidies. Since landlords cannot legally use credit information for these applicants anyway, HB25-1236 removes the requirement to include it in their PTSRs.
You're not limited to accepting Section 8 applicants without any screening. Colorado law allows you to verify:
Use income verification tools to confirm voucher amounts and employment status while staying compliant with Colorado's income cap requirements.
These factors give you a clear picture of an applicant's rental history and ability to pay rent—without relying on credit scores.
Many voucher holders have low credit scores due to past financial hardships—the same hardships that qualify them for housing assistance. SB23-184 recognized that requiring credit checks creates a barrier that disproportionately affects low-income renters.
By prohibiting credit-based evaluations for subsidized applicants, Colorado promotes fair housing and expands access to rental opportunities.
Colorado's Anti-Discrimination Act has prohibited source of income discrimination since 2021. Landlords cannot refuse to rent to applicants solely because they use housing vouchers or other rental assistance.
Section 8 applicants often face rejection due to credit issues unrelated to their ability to pay rent. Colorado's PTSR framework focuses on rental-specific factors (eviction history, criminal background, income verification) rather than general creditworthiness.
For background on understanding HB25-1236's complete framework, see our overview article.
You can continue using credit checks for Section 8 applicants only if SB23-184 does not apply in your jurisdiction. However, it's smart to prepare now by:
Learn how to accept PTSRs from subsidized housing applicants.
If a Section 8 applicant provides a PTSR, you must:
You cannot:
Clara's verification features ensure compliance with Section 8 PTSR rules and Colorado's fair housing laws.
Yes. You can (and should) verify that the applicant's income—combined with their voucher—covers the rent. You can request:
Income verification is separate from credit checks and is allowed under both HB25-1236 and SB23-184. However, income requirements cannot exceed 200% of annual rent.
No. You must apply the same screening criteria to all applicants, regardless of voucher status. Treating voucher holders differently violates Colorado's source of income discrimination protections.
Focus on eviction history and previous landlord references. These are better indicators of rental performance than credit scores and are permissible under Colorado law.
Yes. HB25-1236 and SB23-184 apply to Section 8, public housing, and any other government-subsidized rental assistance programs.
Download our free landlord screening checklist for Section 8 applicants.
Rent with Clara's PTSR solution is designed for Section 8 compliance:
Renters pay a one-time fee, and landlords get immediate access to verified screening reports—no credit checks required for Section 8 applicants.
Landlords who violate Colorado's PTSR and fair housing provisions may face:
Non-compliance isn't worth the risk. The law is clear, and enforcement begins January 1, 2026.
For more information on Colorado's Section 8 PTSR rules, consult these authoritative sources:
Colorado's Section 8 PTSR rules promote fair housing while still allowing landlords to screen for rental-specific risk factors. By focusing on identity, criminal history, eviction history, and income—rather than credit scores—you can find quality tenants without discriminating against voucher holders.
The key is to prepare now. Review your screening criteria, train your team, and partner with a PTSR-compliant platform like Rent with Clara.
Compliance doesn't have to be complicated. With the right tools and processes, you can screen Section 8 applicants confidently and legally.
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