DENVER (KDVR) — Denver's Department of Excise and Licenses is cracking down on bad landlords, adding thousands of dollars to fines that already range up to $999.

The city tells FOX31 that 28,000 landlords have complied with regulations since licensing was required for the first time in 2023, but some are refraining, instead paying fines as violations are documented.

"People don't have to live in a place that has mold or has no functioning plumbing," Spokesperson Eric Escudero told FOX31.

To motivate landlords to comply with licensing requirements, the city sends a warning letter then issues fines ranging from $150 to $999 dollars depending on the offense.

Now, the city is proposing raising the maximum fine to $5,000.

"That doesn't mean everyone who's an unlicensed landlord will get a

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