Tenant Rights in Pueblo, Colorado

Last updated: April 2026

Pueblo renters are protected by Colorado's Warranty of Habitability Act, the Security Deposit Act, and strong notice requirements. No Colorado city has enacted rent control as of April 2026.

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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 Pueblo 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), Pueblo Housing Authority, Colorado Poverty Law Project (coloradopovertylaw.org)

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Pueblo

Pueblo is the county seat of Pueblo County and a significant renter market in southern Colorado. All residential rentals 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 Pueblo — has enacted a rent control ordinance. Pueblo has no additional local tenant protection laws beyond state law.

2. Does Pueblo 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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo

Colorado law provides these key protections for Pueblo 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 Pueblo

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 at move-in and move-out with photos and provide your forwarding address in writing.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Pueblo

To evict a tenant in Pueblo, a landlord must serve written notice — typically 10 days for nonpayment of rent — then file a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) action in Pueblo 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 Pueblo Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pueblo have rent control?

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

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Pueblo?

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 Pueblo?

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 Pueblo?

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 Pueblo County Court.

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

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 Pueblo?

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 or the Colorado Poverty Law Project for guidance.

This article provides general information about tenant rights in Pueblo 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

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