01 September 2017

Colorado's new construction defect law takes effect in September: What you need to know.

 Colorado’s new construction defect law officially takes effect this month. Although HB 17-1279 was passed in May, the statutory text provides that it only applies “with respect to events and circumstances occurring on or after September 1, 2017.” With that date now upon us, practitioners should be mindful of the law’s new requirements.

The law applies to any lawsuit wherein a homeowner association files a construction defect action on behalf of two or more of its members. “Construction defect action” is defined broadly to include any claims against construction professionals relating to deficiencies in design or construction of real property. Before an association may commence such an action, its board must follow several steps.

05 June 2017

Colorado Supreme Court rules that developers can retain perpetual control over HOA covenants

The Colorado Supreme Court ruled today that developers can retain control over community covenants in perpetuity by recording a covenant that requires declarant consent to any amendments. Although the Colorado Common Interest Ownership Act (CCIOA) states that such controls should be void, the court nevertheless ruled that a declarant may veto amendments that alter the dispute resolution procedures for construction defect actions at any time.

The case of Vallagio at Inverness Residential Condominium Ass’n v. Metropolitan Homes, Inc., 395 P.3d 788, 2017 CO 69, arose when the community’s members discovered widespread construction defects.

19 April 2017

Colorado passes compromise bill on construction defects

After four failed attempts, Colorado legislators have finally reached a compromise on construction defect legislation.

This afternoon, HB17-1279 gained unanimous approval from the House Committee on State, Veterans, and Military Affairs. The bill is expected to pass both chambers easily and be signed into law by Governor John Hickenlooper.



Attorney Suzanne Leff speaks to the media about HB17-1279, flanked by Senator Jack Tate, Representatives Alec Garnett, Cole Wist, and Lori Saine, and Governor John Hickenlooper.

Proponents say that a bill is needed spur more condominium construction in the state. They contend that homebuilders have been reluctant to construct multifamily projects in recent years based on a perceived fear that small groups of homeowners can file lawsuits in the name of their community associations without adequate the consent of other members. A 2013 study found that quality control and insurance costs only reduce homebuilder profits by a small amount, but concerns about litigation have nevertheless prompted some construction professionals to focus on constructing apartments and other products.