Tenant Rights in Centennial, Colorado

Last updated: April 2026

Centennial renters are governed by Colorado's statewide landlord-tenant law, including the Warranty of Habitability Act and the Security Deposit Act. No Colorado city has enacted rent control.

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Key Takeaways

Rent Control: None — Colorado lifted its ban on local rent control in 2021 (SB 21-173), but no city including Centennial has enacted an ordinance.
Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days (60 if lease allows) with an itemized statement; wrongful withholding triggers treble damages plus attorney's fees (C.R.S. § 38-12-103).
Notice to Vacate: At least 91 days' written notice required to terminate a month-to-month tenancy (C.R.S. § 13-40-107).
Just Cause Eviction: Not required — landlords do not need a stated reason to end a month-to-month tenancy with proper notice.
Local Resources: Colorado Legal Services (coloradolegalservices.org), Arapahoe County Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Centennial

Centennial is one of Colorado's largest cities, located in Arapahoe County in the southeast Denver metro. Renters are governed by Colorado statewide landlord-tenant law, including the Warranty of Habitability Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-501), the Security Deposit Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-103), and anti-retaliation protections under C.R.S. § 38-12-509. Colorado lifted its ban on local rent control in 2021 via SB 21-173, but no city in Colorado — including Centennial — has enacted a rent control ordinance. Centennial has no additional local tenant protections beyond state law.

2. Does Centennial Have Rent Control?

Colorado lifted its prohibition on local rent control ordinances in 2021 (SB 21-173, amending C.R.S. § 38-12-301), but as of April 2026 no city in Colorado has enacted rent control. Landlords in Centennial may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

3. Colorado State Tenant Protections That Apply in Centennial

Colorado law provides these key protections for Centennial renters:

Security Deposit: Must be returned within 30 days of move-out (or up to 60 days if the lease allows) with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles the tenant to treble damages plus attorney's fees (C.R.S. § 38-12-103).
Notice to Terminate: Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 91 days' written notice before the landlord can terminate the tenancy (C.R.S. § 13-40-107).
Habitability: Colorado's Warranty of Habitability Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-501) requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. For serious violations, tenants may reduce rent or terminate the lease.
Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights or reporting code violations (C.R.S. § 38-12-509).
Lockout Prohibition: Self-help eviction is prohibited. Landlords must obtain a court judgment before removing a tenant.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Centennial

Under C.R.S. § 38-12-103, your landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days of move-out (or up to 60 days if your lease specifically allows the longer period), along with a written itemized statement of deductions. If your landlord wrongfully withholds any portion, you may be entitled to treble damages (three times the withheld amount) plus attorney's fees. Document the unit's condition at move-in and move-out with photos and provide your forwarding address in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Centennial

To evict a tenant in Centennial, a landlord must serve written notice — typically 10 days for nonpayment of rent — then file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action in Arapahoe County Court if you do not vacate. You have the right to contest the eviction at a hearing. Self-help eviction is illegal in Colorado; landlords who change locks or shut off utilities may face civil liability and damages.

6. Resources for Centennial Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Centennial have rent control?

No. Colorado lifted its ban on local rent control in 2021, but as of April 2026 no city in Colorado — including Centennial — has enacted a rent control ordinance.

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Centennial?

There is no limit. Colorado has no statewide rent stabilization law, so landlords may raise rent by any amount at lease renewal or with proper notice on a month-to-month tenancy.

How long does my landlord have to return my security deposit in Centennial?

30 days from move-out (or up to 60 days if the lease allows), with a written itemized statement under C.R.S. § 38-12-103. Wrongful withholding can entitle you to treble damages plus attorney's fees.

What notice does my landlord need before evicting me in Centennial?

To terminate a month-to-month tenancy, at least 91 days' written notice is required under C.R.S. § 13-40-107. For nonpayment of rent, a 10-day written notice is typically required before filing in Arapahoe County Court.

Can my landlord lock me out or shut off utilities in Centennial?

No. Self-help eviction is illegal in Colorado. A landlord who changes your locks or shuts off utilities to force you out may face civil liability and damages.

What can I do if my landlord refuses to make repairs in Centennial?

Colorado's Warranty of Habitability Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-501) requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions. For serious unresolved violations, you may be entitled to reduce rent or terminate the lease. Contact Colorado Legal Services for guidance.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Centennial and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

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Other Cities in Colorado

Learn about tenant rights in other Colorado cities:

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