Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarms

While the threat of fire has been a longstanding concern, the awareness of carbon monoxide's danger has risen significantly in recent decades. In response to this evolving understanding, the city of Denver has implemented stringent safety measures. These requirements include not only the installation of smoke alarms within each bedroom but also an additional alarm positioned immediately outside these sleeping areas. To ensure comprehensive safety, Denver's regulations requires the placement of smoke alarms on every level of the home, complemented by the positioning of carbon monoxide alarms outside each bedroom, within a 15-foot radius from the bedroom entrance. 

Fire Extinguisher

Whether your rental property is in a multi-unit complex or a single family home, a working fire extinguisher is required in the home within 30 feet of the kitchen or within 75 feet of a multi-unit rental property. Denver's emphasis on this requirement underscores the city's commitment to ensuring the welfare of its residents and promoting responsible property management. By mandating the presence of fire extinguishers in rental homes, Denver not only complies with established safety standards but also enhances the overall preparedness of its community members in the face of fire-related emergencies. 

Working GFCI Outlet in Restrooms

Denver's requirement for Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) outlets in the bathrooms of rental homes reflects a proactive approach to safeguarding the well-being of its residents. GFCI outlets are designed to prevent electrical shock hazards by immediately detecting imbalances in electric currents, such as those caused by water contact. Bathrooms, being high-moisture areas, pose an elevated risk of accidental electrocution due to the proximity of water sources. By mandating GFCI outlets, Denver aims to reduce this risk significantly, providing an extra layer of protection to tenants and visitors who use electrical devices in these spaces. 

Properly Functioning Water Heater and Furnace/Boiler

A working furnace/boiler is essential, especially in Denver's cold climate, as it provides reliable heating during the winter months, preventing exposure to extreme cold and related health risks. The provided heat must measure no lower than 70 degrees. A functional water heater is crucial for maintaining proper hygiene and daily routines, as it ensures access to hot water for bathing, cleaning, and other essential activities.  The minimum hot water temperature must measure no lower than 110 degrees. By enforcing these requirements, Denver prioritizes the well-being of tenants, aiming to create habitable living conditions that promote physical and mental health.