On April 22, 2024, several trade associations representing Denver landlords (the “Plaintiffs”) sued the State of Colorado, the City and County of Denver, and other related entities (collectively, the “Defendants”) in federal court, challenging a state statute and the Energize
Rocky Mountain Real Estate Law
Development, Financing and Other Property News from Colorado's Leading Real Estate Law Firm
The Rocky Mountain Real Estate Law blog, published by Otten Johnson Robinson Neff + Ragonetti PC, focuses on legal issues related to real estate in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region. It covers topics such as homeowners' association regulations under the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act, local government compliance with strategic growth and housing legislation, commercial lease provisions including sublease activity, zoning and land use regulations, and affordable and middle-income housing initiatives. The blog provides updates on legislative changes, regulatory compliance, and practical considerations for developers, landlords, HOAs, and local governments involved in real estate development and management.
Court Strikes Down FinCEN Reporting Rule for All-Cash Real Estate Transactions
In an effort to curb money laundering in residential real estate transactions, the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (“FinCEN”) enacted the Anti-Money Laundering Regulations for Residential Real Estate Transfers rule (the “Rule”), which imposes extensive reporting requirements for certain non-financed residential…
The 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act: Large Institutional Investor Limits
Congress has passed 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, HR 6644. The bill contains dozens of provisions to address America’s ongoing housing affordability crisis. Chief among the provisions is Title X, Home-Ownership for Main Street America, which institutes a 15-year…
New Colorado Law Empowers Local Governments to Support Housing Development
The Colorado General Assembly has recently passed (and the Governor signed into law) Senate Bill 26-001, “Workforce Housing & Housing Tax Credit”, with the intent of increasing financial flexibility and county authority to promote workforce housing, low-income housing, and general…
Colorado HB26-1206: Expanded Housing Authority Financing Powers
Colorado lawmakers continue to pursue aggressive housing policy reforms aimed at increasing housing supply and expanding affordable housing financing tools. One significant measure introduced during the 2026 legislative session is House Bill 26-1206, titled “Improved Funding to Support Development” (“HB26-1206”).…
Colorado’s Unresolved Data Center Debate
As demand for AI and cloud-computing infrastructure continues to accelerate, data center development has become an increasingly important issue for commercial real estate developers, utility companies, municipalities, and land use practitioners across the country. During the 2026 legislative session, Colorado…
A New Path to Homeownership?
In today’s real estate market—defined by rising prices, tightening credit, and limited inventory—alternative transaction models have emerged alongside traditional home sales. One such model is being implemented by Denver-based FulHouse, Inc. (fulhouse.io), which combines elements of real estate…
State Legislators Contemplate Policy Tools to Mitigate Wildfire Risk After a Warm, Dry Winter
For much of the American West, this winter has been historically warm and dry. Due to the resulting snow drought, many experts are predicting an intense wildfire season in Colorado and across the West more broadly. Colorado legislators have taken…
Colorado Lawmakers Reignite Debate Over Zoning Barriers to Residential Developments
Colorado legislators are once again advancing legislation they say will address the state’s need for affordable housing. With an abundance of vacant and underutilized land currently restricted from use for residential developments, lawmakers argue that reducing local zoning barriers will…
Unpacking the Executive Order on Institutional Investment in Single-Family Homes
On January 20, 2026, the White House issued an Executive Order titled Stopping Wall Street from Competing with Main Street Homebuyers that aims to address concerns about large institutional investors acquiring single-family homes.
The order lays out a clear policy…