Inspectors, Attorneys and Adjusters: Professionals Denver Landlords Need

General information for Denver-area rental owners, not legal advice. Rules and prices checked October 27, 2026. Cost ranges are published estimates, not quotes.

Rental license inspectors

Every Denver long-term rental needs a city license, and the license requires a passing inspection by a qualified private inspector. Denver's ordinance requires the inspector to hold both:

1. A home inspector certification from ASHI, InterNACHI or the Master Inspector Certification Board, and
2. An ICC certification as an R5, C5 or C8 Combination Building Inspector.

Inspections by anyone missing either credential aren't accepted. Denver publishes an optional list of inspectors, but it isn't an endorsement, and owners are responsible for confirming qualifications. Verify with ASHI, InterNACHI and the ICC certified professionals search.

For multiunit properties, the inspector inspects a random 10% of units, with at least one unit for buildings under 10 units. See our Denver rental license guide.

Eviction and landlord-tenant attorneys

If you own rentals through an LLC, Colorado law limits when you can go to court without a lawyer. A "closely held entity" (no more than three owners) can be represented by an officer only if:

• The amount at issue is $15,000 or less, not counting costs, interest and penalties.
• The officer shows the court evidence of authority to appear, such as a written resolution.

An LLC with more than three owners, or a claim over $15,000, needs a licensed attorney. The statute allows officers, not property managers or other agents, to appear. Colorado's eviction process has many technical requirements, so many landlords use an attorney regardless. See our eviction process guide.

Public adjusters

A public adjuster works for you, not the insurer, on a property claim. After a major hail or water loss, one can help document and negotiate. Colorado rules:

• Public adjusters and their firms must be licensed by the Colorado Division of Insurance and carry a $20,000 surety bond.
• They can't charge any fee, retainer or deposit before the claim is settled.
• In a declared catastrophic disaster, their fee can't exceed 10% of the settlement.
• You can cancel the contract in writing within 72 hours of signing.
• They can't do repair work, take referral fees from contractors, or choose who does your repairs.
• Roofers can't act as public adjusters.

Verify a license through the Colorado Division of Insurance, or call its consumer services line.

Other professionals worth having

• Insurance agent who writes landlord (dwelling) policies. See our insurance and hail guide.
• CPA or tax preparer familiar with rental depreciation. Colorado's residential assessment rate for 2026 is 6.8% for local government levies and 7.05% for schools.
• Real estate attorney to review your lease for Colorado compliance, especially the 2025 habitability notice requirements.

How to get help

A good property manager coordinates rental license inspections, works with eviction attorneys and helps with insurance claims. We'll match you with up to three vetted, licensed managers. Free, no obligation. Get matched free.