Section 8 in Colorado: What Landlords Can and Can’t Ask For Under the New Rules

Applying with a housing voucher can feel like you’re doing two applications at once: one for the unit and one to prove you qualify for the program.

Colorado has added new rules that affect how screening works for voucher holders. Some of those rules come from SB23-184 (credit-related limits for subsidized applicants). Others come from Colorado’s updated portable tenant screening report rules (HB25-1236, effective January 1, 2026).

This article is renter-first and practical. It covers common red flags, what to ask for in writing, and scripts you can copy and paste.

Quick definitions (so the rest makes sense)

• Voucher/subsidized applicant: You’re applying with Section 8 or another housing subsidy.
• PTSR (portable tenant screening report): A screening report you can reuse across applications.

If you want the big-picture overview of PTSRs, start here: Colorado’s Portable Tenant Screening Report Law (HB25-1236): What Changes for Renters in 2026.

The big idea: voucher holders have extra protections around credit

Colorado law limits how credit information can be required or used for subsidized applicants.

What that means in plain English:

• A landlord shouldn’t demand a credit score or credit history as a condition of considering you for a voucher-supported rental.
  
  
• If you’re told, “we require a 650 credit score for everyone, no exceptions,” and that’s being applied to voucher holders, that can be a red flag.

For the exact legal language, see SB23-184.

How HB25-1236 (PTSR rules) fits in for Section 8

Starting Jan 1, 2026, landlords must accept a valid PTSR you provide.

For voucher holders, the key point is that a PTSR for a subsidized applicant may not include the same credit information that a non-subsidized applicant’s report includes.

In other words, if a landlord says, “Your PTSR is missing credit, so it’s invalid,” that’s a moment to pause and ask questions in writing.

What landlords can usually ask for (normal requests)

Even with a voucher, landlords may still ask for things like;

• Proof of identity
• Proof of income (including your portion of rent)
• Rental history and landlord references
• Eviction history information
• Criminal background information (subject to fair housing and local rules)

They can still have rental criteria. The issue is applying criteria in a way that treats voucher holders differently.

Common red flags (and what to do next)

Red flag 1: “We don’t take Section 8.”

If a landlord refuses to consider voucher holders at all, please document it.

What to do:

• Ask them to confirm the policy in writing.
• Save the listing and the message thread.

Copy/paste:

• “Just to confirm in writing: are you saying you don’t accept Section 8 / vouchers for this unit?”

Red flag 2: Credit score demands for voucher holders

If you’re told you must provide a credit score or meet a credit minimum to be considered, ask for clarification.

Copy/paste:

• “I’m applying with a housing voucher. Can you please confirm whether you require a credit score or credit history for voucher holders, and if so, why?”

Red flag 3: Extra requirements that aren’t asked of non-voucher applicants

Examples:

• Higher deposits are only for voucher holders
• Extra paperwork is only for voucher holders
• Different income multipliers are only for voucher holders

Copy/paste:

• “Can you confirm whether this requirement applies to all applicants or only to applicants using a voucher?”

Red flag 4: “We won’t accept your portable report.”

Starting Jan 1, 2026, landlords must accept a valid PTSR.

If they refuse, don’t argue. Document.

Copy/paste:

• “I can provide a portable tenant screening report. Can you confirm in writing whether you accept PTSRs, and if not, why?”

For the full refusal playbook, see Colorado PTSR Timeline.

How to keep your application strong (without over-explaining)

Voucher applications can get derailed by confusion. A simple, organized package helps.

Suggested approach:

• Share your voucher details (the basics, not your life story)
• Share your PTSR (if you have one)
• Share your standard supporting documents (ID, income, references)
• Keep communication short and in writing

If you want a step-by-step application workflow, read “How to Use a Portable Tenant Screening Report to Apply for Rentals With Less Hassle.”

If you think you’re being treated unfairly

You don’t have to immediately determine if something is illegal. Your job is to document what happened and get help if you need it.

Practical steps:

• Save screenshots of listings and messages
• Ask for policies in writing
• Keep a timeline of dates, names, and what was said

If you want to talk to someone, consider a local tenant advocacy group or an attorney.

This article is educational, not legal advice.

If you want a reusable way to share verified screening information across applications, Rent with Clara can help you keep your screening details organized so you’re not starting from scratch each time.

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