As cooler weather returns to Fort Collins, a little preparation can make a big difference. This season brings practical reminders for protecting rental homes, opportunities to learn, and new ways for property owners, managers, and renters to stay informed and involved.

As temperatures begin to drop, and our summer season comes to an end, a few simple steps can help protect rental properties and keep residents safe and comfortable. Property owners should schedule heating-system maintenance, clean gutters, inspect roofs, seal exterior gaps, disconnect outdoor hoses, and confirm that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Rental homes must have heat capable of maintaining a minimum temperature of 68°F in all habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms. Renters should test their heat before cold weather arrives and promptly report drafts, leaks, heating problems, or other maintenance concerns to their property manager or property owner.

After last year’s windstorms in Fort Collins, it is especially important to inspect trees for dead, damaged, or overhanging branches that could fall during strong winds or heavy snow. Renters should report concerning branches to their property manager or property owner and should not attempt to remove large branches themselves. Taking a few preventive steps now can help avoid costly repairs and keep rental homes safe, warm, and comfortable throughout the colder months.

The City of Fort Collins Rental Housing and Healthy Homes programs are teaming up to provide a series of rental housing workshops this Fall, made possible for the community due to the generous support of AARP. All events will take place at the Fort Collins Senior Center and include refreshments, giveaways, and information/resources from local experts. Spanish interpretation will be provided.

Workshops for Housing Providers:

• ADA and Senior-Friendly Practices: September 22nd, 11am-1pm
• Maintenance and Efficiency Practices: September 28th, 11am-1pm

Workshops for tenants:

• Tenant Rights & Responsibilities, Strategies for Communicating with your Landlord: October 12th, 10am-12pm
• Home Healthy & Safety Tips, Emergency Preparedness: October 19th, 10am-12pm

Registration for these free events is required. To sign up and stay up-to-date on workshop details, please use this link below!  If you have any questions, please reach out to healthyhomes@fortcollins.gov

Register here

Owners of multi-unit residential properties that are part of the City’s trash and recycling program can now apply for a new variance to request that the units they manage trash for share a set of carts for trash, recycling, and yard trimmings.

The Multi-unit Variance can be applied to groupings of two, three, or four units in one building; a set of units must share S, M, or L cart service. Buildings with 4 or more units may apply for multiple variances. 

Apply here.

Access Fort Collins makes it easy for community members to ask questions, submit service requests, or report non-emergency concerns directly to the appropriate City department. Requests may include parking concerns, possible code violations, potholes, damaged street signs, street maintenance needs, graffiti, or downed tree branches on City property or in the public right-of-way.

Community members can submit a request online at any time, include photos and location details, and review the status of their request. Providing clear information helps City staff route the request to the correct department and respond more efficiently.