Tenant Rights in Westminster, Colorado

Last updated: April 2026

Westminster renters are covered by Colorado's statewide landlord-tenant law, including the Warranty of Habitability Act and a strong security deposit return rule. No Colorado city has enacted rent control.

Want to check your specific address? Use the RentCheckMe address checker.

Key Takeaways

Rent Control: None — Colorado lifted its ban on local rent control in 2021 (SB 21-173), but no city including Westminster 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), Adams County Housing Authority

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Westminster

Westminster is a large suburb in Adams County straddling the Denver-Boulder corridor. Renters are governed by Colorado's 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 Westminster — has enacted a rent control ordinance. Westminster has no additional local tenant protection ordinances beyond state law.

2. Does Westminster 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 Westminster 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 Westminster

Colorado law provides these key protections for Westminster 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 Westminster

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 Westminster

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

6. Resources for Westminster Tenants

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Westminster have rent control?

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

How much can my landlord raise my rent in Westminster?

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 Westminster?

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 Westminster?

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 an eviction action in Adams County Court.

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

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 Westminster?

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 Westminster and is not legal advice. Laws change — verify current rules with a local attorney or tenant organization.

🔔 Get notified when rent laws change in Westminster

We'll email you if the rent cap, coverage rules, or tenant protections change — no spam, unsubscribe any time.

Other Cities in Colorado

Learn about tenant rights in other Colorado cities:

Home | About | Contact | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service