Colorado Tenant Rights
& Rental Laws

In Colorado, the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent, plus a separate pet deposit up to $300.

Colorado landlords must return security deposits within 30 days after you move out (after the lease ends or the unit is surrendered, whichever is later; a lease may set up to 60 days).

No Colorado statute sets how much notice a landlord must give before entering, so your lease's entry terms apply (24 hours for habitability repairs and 48 hours for bed-bug inspection or treatment unless your rental agreement sets a different time (C.R.S. §§ 38-12-503, 38-12-1004); no statute sets notice for other entries).

Late fees in Colorado: $50 or 5% of the past-due rent, whichever is greater, in total for each late payment. State law provides a 7-day grace period before a late fee can apply.

Once a year; 60 days if no written lease. Rent may go up only once in any 12 months, whatever kind of lease you have (C.R.S. § 38-12-702). With no written lease, 60 days' written notice before an increase (C.R.S. § 38-12-701(2)(a)); with a written lease, your lease sets the notice. No statewide cap, and cities and counties may not control rent (C.R.S. § 38-12-301). Source: C.R.S. §§ 38-12-701(2), 38-12-702.

24 hours (urgent) / 72 hours to start repairs. Landlord must keep the home habitable for the whole tenancy (C.R.S. § 38-12-503(1)). After written notice, the landlord must contact you within 24 hours and start repairs within 24 hours for life, health or safety problems, or 72 hours otherwise (C.R.S. § 38-12-503(2), (6)). For life, health or safety problems, you can ask for a comparable unit or hotel room at no cost, within 24 hours (C.R.S. § 38-12-503(4)). Repair and deduct: 10 days' written notice (48 hours if urgent), a licensed or qualified professional, keep receipts (C.R.S. § 38-12-507(1)(c)). End the lease with 10–60 days' written notice, or raise the problem as a defense to eviction (C.R.S. § 38-12-507). Source: C.R.S. §§ 38-12-503, 38-12-505, 38-12-507.

Retaliation prohibited. Retaliation prohibited. Cannot evict for complaints. Cannot raise rent in retaliation. Document communications. Source: CRS § 38-12-509.

No waiting period. A victim of domestic violence, domestic abuse, stalking or unlawful sexual behavior may end the lease and move out after written notice and evidence. Evidence can be a self-attestation affidavit, a letter from an advocate, attorney, social worker or medical professional, a police report from the past 120 days, or a protection order. The landlord may recover up to one month's rent only for damages documented within 30 days (not if another tenant stays on the lease). You may change the locks once you have given notice and evidence. Source: CRS § 38-12-402.

Self-help illegal. Self-help evictions illegal. Cannot remove belongings. Sheriff required. 10 days notice for nonpayment. Source: CRS § 38-12-510.

Colorado tenants have rights including security deposit protections, notice requirements for landlord entry, habitability standards, and protections against retaliation. Use Honestkey to analyze your specific lease against Colorado law.