Last updated: April 2026
Denver has no rent control. Here's the full picture: what was on the ballot, what protections you do have, and where to get help.
Check your Denver address to see what tenant protections apply.
No. Denver has no rent control ordinance. There is no city law limiting how much a landlord can raise rent, and there is no statewide Colorado rent cap either. Denver landlords can raise rent by any amount, provided they give proper written notice.
In November 2022, Denver voters considered Proposition GO, a ballot initiative that would have authorized the Denver City Council to enact local rent control. The measure was defeated, with approximately 57% of voters voting against it.
Supporters argued rent control was necessary to address Denver's rapid rent increases. Opponents — including major real estate and business groups — argued it would reduce housing supply and lead to higher rents over time. The result means Denver's city council does not currently have the authority to pass a rent control ordinance.
No follow-up ballot measure had been scheduled as of April 2026.
Colorado law (HB 23-1120) requires landlords to give:
This applies to all Colorado rentals, including Denver. Your lease may require even more notice — always check your lease terms.
Before a landlord can file for eviction for non-payment of rent, they must give you a written 10-day notice to pay or vacate (SB 21-173). You have 10 days to pay the full amount owed or move out before they can go to court.
Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants (by raising rent or filing eviction) for reporting habitability issues or organizing with other tenants. Retaliatory eviction is illegal under Colorado law.
Under C.R.S. § 38-12-503, your landlord must keep your rental in a habitable condition — working heat, plumbing, and structural safety. If they fail to fix a serious problem after written notice, you may have the right to withhold rent, repair-and-deduct, or terminate the lease.
Your security deposit must be returned within 30 days of lease end (or up to 60 days if your lease specifies it). If your landlord withholds any amount, they must provide a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding allows you to sue for triple the withheld amount plus attorney fees.
Through the Denver Right to Counsel program, income-eligible Denver tenants facing eviction have the right to free legal representation in eviction court proceedings. This is a significant protection — tenants with lawyers are far more likely to reach favorable outcomes or payment plans. Contact Denver Human Services to see if you qualify.
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No. Denver has no local rent control ordinance, and Colorado has no statewide rent cap. Landlords can raise rent by any amount with proper notice.
Proposition GO, which would have allowed the city council to enact rent control, was defeated by Denver voters in November 2022 with about 57% voting no. No follow-up measure has been proposed as of 2026.
Under Colorado state law: 21 days for increases under 10%, and 90 days for increases of 10% or more. Your lease may require longer notice — check it carefully.
For month-to-month tenancies, a landlord can terminate your tenancy with proper notice (usually 21 days) without giving a specific reason. For a fixed-term lease, they generally cannot terminate before the lease ends without cause. Retaliatory eviction is illegal.
The Denver Right to Counsel program provides free legal representation for income-eligible tenants facing eviction. Legal Aid Colorado and Colorado Legal Services also provide free assistance for housing issues across the state.
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