Tenant Rights in Firestone, Colorado

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Firestone

Firestone is a rapidly growing town in Weld County, Colorado, situated along the U.S. 287 corridor between Longmont and Greeley. As with all Colorado municipalities, Firestone has not enacted local tenant protections — renters' rights are governed by Colorado state law, primarily C.R.S. Title 38, Article 12 (landlord-tenant relations and habitability) and C.R.S. § 13-40-101 et seq. (eviction procedures). Colorado has enacted meaningful statewide tenant reforms in recent years, including the landmark SB 21-173 (2021) that extended termination notice requirements and strengthened habitability remedies.

Firestone renters most often have questions about security deposit returns, how much notice a landlord must give before ending a tenancy, and what to do when a landlord refuses to make repairs. This guide explains those rights and the legal remedies available under Colorado law.

This page provides general informational content only and is not legal advice. Renters facing specific legal issues should consult a licensed Colorado attorney or contact Colorado Legal Services.

2. Does Firestone Have Rent Control?

Firestone has no rent control. Colorado's historic prohibition on local rent control under C.R.S. § 38-12-301 was repealed by SB 21-173 in 2021, which gave municipalities authority to enact rent stabilization. However, as of April 2026, no Colorado city or county — including Firestone — has adopted any rent control ordinance. Firestone landlords may therefore raise rent by any dollar amount without restriction.

For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must give at least 91 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy — a protection that significantly exceeds the old 10-day standard and gives tenants meaningful time to find alternative housing (C.R.S. § 13-40-107). For fixed-term leases, rent is locked at the agreed rate until expiration. There is no percentage cap on increases, no registration requirement, and no requirement to justify any increase.

3. Colorado State Tenant Protections That Apply in Firestone

Colorado state law provides the following key protections for Firestone renters.

Warranty of Habitability (C.R.S. § 38-12-501 et seq.): Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition, including adequate weatherproofing, functioning plumbing and heating, safe electrical systems, and freedom from pests. After written notice and a reasonable repair period, tenants may seek rent reduction, lease termination, or damages. Willful violations may entitle tenants to attorney fees under C.R.S. § 38-12-507.

Security Deposits (C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102–103): No statutory cap on deposit amount, but landlords must return deposits within 30 days (or 60 if the lease allows) with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding triggers treble damages plus attorney fees under C.R.S. § 38-12-103.

Notice to Terminate (C.R.S. § 13-40-107): Month-to-month tenants are entitled to at least 91 days' written notice before the landlord terminates the tenancy. This requirement was extended from 10 days by SB 21-173 (2021).

Anti-Retaliation (C.R.S. § 38-12-509): Landlords may not retaliate against tenants for reporting code violations, requesting repairs, or exercising legal rights. Retaliatory rent increases, service reductions, and eviction threats are prohibited.

Eviction Procedure: Landlords must follow court-supervised eviction procedures. Self-help removal — lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of belongings — is prohibited.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Firestone

Security deposits in Firestone are governed by C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102 and 38-12-103. Colorado law imposes no cap on deposit amounts; the amount is whatever your lease specifies. The return deadline and penalty framework are among the strongest in the nation.

After you move out, your landlord has 30 days to return the full deposit or provide a written, itemized statement of deductions along with any remaining balance. Your lease may extend this deadline to up to 60 days if it expressly provides for that. Provide your forwarding address in writing at move-out — the deadline is triggered by your landlord having that information.

If your landlord fails to return the deposit within the applicable deadline, fails to provide the itemized statement, or makes deductions that are not permitted, you may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees, under C.R.S. § 38-12-103. Permissible deductions include unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear. Normal wear and tear — routine cleaning beyond ordinary use aside — cannot be charged.

Disputes may be filed in Weld County Court small claims division. Preserve photos, move-in checklists, and all written communications with your landlord to support any claim.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Firestone

Evictions in Firestone must follow the process established by C.R.S. §§ 13-40-101 et seq. A landlord cannot remove a tenant through self-help — changing locks, shutting off utilities, or removing belongings without a court order is illegal in Colorado.

Step 1 — Written Notice: Required notice periods by eviction type:
• Nonpayment of rent: 10-day written Demand for Compliance or Right to Possession (C.R.S. § 13-40-104(d)).
• Lease violation: 10-day notice to comply or vacate (C.R.S. § 13-40-104(e)).
• Termination of month-to-month tenancy: At least 91 days' written notice (C.R.S. § 13-40-107).

Step 2 — County Court Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files an Unlawful Detainer action in Weld County Court.

Step 3 — Hearing: Both parties appear and present their case. Tenants may raise defenses including improper notice, habitability violations (C.R.S. § 38-12-501), and retaliation (C.R.S. § 38-12-509). Contact Colorado Legal Services before your hearing date.

Step 4 — Writ of Restitution: If the court rules for the landlord and the tenant does not vacate, the landlord may obtain a Writ of Restitution authorizing a county sheriff to carry out the physical removal. Only a court-authorized officer may remove a tenant.

6. Resources for Firestone Tenants

• Colorado Legal Services — Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Coloradans, covering eviction defense, deposit disputes, and habitability cases.
• Colorado Poverty Law Project — Supports legal aid providers across Colorado and maintains housing-related tenant resources.
• Colorado Division of Housing — Administers rental assistance and housing stability programs for Colorado renters.
• Weld County Court — Where eviction and small claims deposit cases are filed for Firestone residents.

Frequently Asked Questions