Portable Tenant Screening Reports have been part of Colorado’s rental landscape since the state updated its screening laws. Yet many landlords still rely on older systems that create extra costs and unnecessary friction. The result is slower approvals, duplicate fees, and growing compliance risk.
PTSRs were designed to change that. They allow renters to share one verified background check with multiple properties while giving landlords the same reliable information they already review. The process is faster, more transparent, and aligned with current state regulations.
Accepting PTSRs is a practical step toward a fairer and more compliant leasing process.
Colorado’s House Bill 23-1099 established a renter-first policy that aims to reduce redundant screening costs and make leasing more efficient. The law allows renters to reuse a single verified tenant screening report that includes credit, criminal, and eviction history.
For landlords, this means a valid PTSR must be accepted if it meets the following requirements:
Refusing a compliant report may expose landlords to penalties or discrimination claims.
Many landlords in Colorado still have questions about how Portable Tenant Screening Reports (PTSRs) work in practice. Misinformation can lead to confusion or even accidental noncompliance. Here are some of the most common misconceptions and the facts behind them.
Myth:
PTSRs are less reliable than my preferred reports.
Fact:
PTSRs are issued by the same credit bureaus and background check providers used by property managers nationwide. They meet the same verification and accuracy standards.
Myth:
Accepting PTSRs increases my liability.
Fact:
Verified reports are FCRA-compliant. Accepting them can reduce legal risk by ensuring a consistent, documented process.
Myth:
Tenants can alter their PTSRs.
Fact:
Reports are securely issued and shared by licensed consumer reporting agencies. Once generated, they cannot be edited or modified.
Myth:
It’s harder to manage multiple applicants.
Fact:
PTSRs can be reviewed through standard screening systems. Integrating them into existing workflows is simple and efficient.
Colorado’s legislature passed HB23-1099 to make the rental process more transparent and consistent. Before this reform, renters often paid $50 to $75 for every background check, repeating the process for each application. The system was expensive and inefficient for everyone involved.
Portable Tenant Screening Reports were introduced to eliminate this redundancy. Renters now complete one verified report that can be shared with multiple landlords within a 30-day window. Property managers continue to receive the same essential data—credit, criminal, and eviction history—but through a process that saves time and promotes fairness.
This legislation reflects a broader shift in the rental market toward efficiency, accountability, and trust between renters and housing providers.
Accepting PTSRs is not just recommended under Colorado law — it is required. House Bill 23-1099 mandates that landlords recognize valid reports provided by renters. Following this regulation protects property owners from potential fines, legal disputes, and claims of noncompliance.
By honoring verified reports, landlords demonstrate good faith in screening practices and create a transparent record of fair housing adherence. This documentation strengthens legal protection and builds credibility with applicants.
Streamlined screening reduces time spent on redundant background checks. With a verified report, property managers can review applicant data immediately, eliminating the wait associated with third-party processing.
PTSRs also simplify recordkeeping. Because reports are issued by approved consumer reporting agencies, they meet federal FCRA standards. This ensures data accuracy and reduces the risk of errors or inconsistencies across applications.
Accepting portable reports reflects a modern approach to property management. It signals transparency, compliance, and respect for applicants’ rights. For many landlords, adopting this process has also improved applicant communication and shortened vacancy periods.
By using a consistent, lawful system, landlords position themselves as reliable housing providers — a quality that strengthens both reputation and renter relationships.
Before accepting a PTSR, confirm that it meets Colorado’s requirements:
If any of these elements are missing, you may request a valid version before proceeding with the application.
Keep a record of when the report was received and how it was used in the application decision. Documentation helps demonstrate compliance if questions arise later. Store reports securely in compliance with FCRA and data privacy standards.
Add a clear statement to your rental listings and application materials. For example:
“This property accepts valid Portable Tenant Screening Reports in accordance with Colorado HB23-1099.”
This brief disclosure clarifies expectations for applicants and shows your commitment to fair and compliant leasing practices.
Most property management systems can accommodate PTSRs easily. Establish a review process that matches your current screening checklist. Many landlords choose to designate a verification step before making final decisions, ensuring the report’s authenticity and compliance with state standards.
Landlords who consistently accept PTSRs report tangible improvements in both operations and applicant experience.
1. Are landlords required to accept PTSRs?
Yes. Under HB23-1099, landlords must accept a compliant Portable Tenant Screening Report that meets state criteria.
2. How recent must a PTSR be?
Reports are valid for 30 days from the date of completion. Landlords can verify this on the report itself.
3. Can I still run my own background check?
You may only do so if the renter declines to provide a valid PTSR. Otherwise, you must use the report they submit.
4. Can I charge an application fee if I accept a PTSR?
Charging an additional screening fee when a valid PTSR is provided may violate state law. Review your policy to ensure compliance.
5. What if the report is incomplete or appears altered?
You can request a valid report that meets all legal criteria. Reports should come directly from the issuing agency via secure link, not from the applicant’s device.
Portable Tenant Screening Reports have reshaped how Colorado landlords approach applicant screening. Accepting them is more than a compliance task — it is a standard of professionalism and trust.
By verifying reports properly, documenting decisions, and communicating policies clearly, landlords protect themselves while supporting a fairer, more transparent rental process.
Adopting portable reports ensures every property remains compliant with Colorado HB23-1099 and aligned with the evolving expectations of today’s housing market.
Stay ahead of rental compliance standards. Review your screening process, update your materials, and prepare your listings to accept Portable Tenant Screening Reports.
Be part of Colorado’s next chapter in modern, transparent leasing.
→ Join the Waitlist for Early Access