In 2026 Colorado passed a law about reserve studies for new communities. Here is what it does, what it does not do, and what it means for your board’s books.
Colorado House Bill 26-1099 requires the developer (the declarant) to commission and pay for a reserve study before transferring control of a planned community or condominium to the owners. The study has to cover the common elements and property the association maintains and project costs over thirty years (enacted bill text). The bill also adds new disclosure requirements.
The Governor signed it on April 13, 2026, and it took effect on August 12, 2026 (final fiscal note).
The law focuses on the hand-off from the developer. According to a summary by a national reserve study firm, it does not require ongoing reserve study updates or set a minimum reserve funding level. Your declaration, bylaws and board policies still govern that.
We do not prepare reserve studies. That is the job of a reserve specialist or engineer. We keep the books so the reserve balance ties to the study, the board can see every month whether funding is on track, and the budget draft includes the right contribution.
This page is general information, not legal advice. Ask your association attorney how the law applies to your community.
The Governor signed it April 13, 2026, and it took effect August 12, 2026.
The developer (declarant) commissions and pays for it before turning control over to the owners.
The law focuses on developer turnover. Check your governing documents and ask your attorney about ongoing requirements.
No. We keep the books and track reserves against the study prepared by a reserve specialist.
We are a small Colorado firm based in Frisco, not a national chain. When you call, you reach a real person who knows your books. Call (970) 633-3997 or schedule a call with our team. You can also see what HOA accounting costs.
More: Colorado HOA accounting services · self-managed boards · HOA tax returns
