Colorado Tenant Rights Guide

Last updated: April 2026

Colorado has no rent control anywhere in the state. Tenants are protected by the Warranty of Habitability Act, 30/60-day security deposit return, 91-day notice to terminate month-to-month tenancies, and anti-retaliation rules.

Colorado at a Glance

  • Rent control: None
  • Statewide rent cap: None — landlords can raise rent by any amount
  • Preemption: Colorado state law (C.R.S. § 38-12-301) prohibited local rent control until 2021, when SB 21-173 lifted the ban. No city has enacted an ordinance since.

What Protections Colorado Tenants Do Have

Even without rent control, Colorado law gives renters meaningful rights in these areas:

Security Deposit

Must be returned within 30 days (60 if lease allows) with itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles tenant to treble damages plus attorney fees (C.R.S. § 38-12-103).

Notice to Terminate

Month-to-month tenants must receive at least 91 days written notice to terminate (C.R.S. § 13-40-107).

Habitability

Colorado Warranty of Habitability Act (C.R.S. § 38-12-501) requires landlords to maintain habitable conditions; tenants may reduce rent or terminate for serious violations.

Anti-Retaliation

Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for exercising legal rights or reporting code violations (C.R.S. § 38-12-509).

Eviction

Landlords must provide written notice and obtain a court judgment. Self-help eviction is prohibited.

Check your address to see what tenant protections apply to your rental.

Major Cities in Colorado

Colorado Tenant Resources

These organizations offer free or low-cost help to Colorado renters: