Tenant Rights in Security-Widefield, Colorado

1. Overview: Tenant Rights in Security-Widefield

Security-Widefield is a census-designated community in El Paso County, Colorado, located south of Colorado Springs. As an unincorporated community, Security-Widefield has no municipal government of its own — renters are governed entirely by Colorado state law, primarily C.R.S. Title 38, Article 12 (landlord-tenant relations, habitability, and security deposits) and C.R.S. §§ 13-40-101 et seq. (eviction procedures). Renters in Security-Widefield most commonly ask about security deposit returns, habitability issues, and the notice required before a landlord can end a tenancy.

Colorado enacted significant tenant protections through SB 21-173 in 2021, extending the month-to-month termination notice requirement from 10 to 21 days, expanding habitability remedies, and repealing the statewide ban on local rent control (though no municipality has yet enacted any). These protections apply fully to renters in Security-Widefield through Colorado state law.

This guide is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Renters with specific legal issues should contact Pikes Peak Legal Services or Colorado Legal Services.

2. Does Security-Widefield Have Rent Control?

Security-Widefield has no rent control. Colorado's prohibition on local rent stabilization under C.R.S. § 38-12-301 was repealed by SB 21-173 in 2021, giving municipalities authority to enact rent control. However, no Colorado municipality — and no El Paso County local government — has enacted a rent control ordinance as of April 2026. Landlords in Security-Widefield may raise rent by any amount.

For month-to-month tenants, the landlord must give at least 21 days' written notice before terminating the tenancy under C.R.S. § 13-40-107. This is substantially more protective than the old 10-day requirement. For fixed-term leases, rent is locked in for the lease duration. There is no cap on increases, no registration requirement, and no requirement to justify any rent increase.

3. Colorado State Tenant Protections That Apply in Security-Widefield

Colorado state law provides the following key protections for renters in Security-Widefield.

Warranty of Habitability (C.R.S. § 38-12-501 et seq.): Landlords must maintain rental units in habitable condition — adequate weatherproofing, functioning plumbing and heating, safe electrical systems, and freedom from pests. After written notice and a reasonable repair period, tenants may seek a rent reduction, terminate the lease, or recover 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): Deposit may not exceed two months' rent (C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5); must be returned within 30 days (or 60 if the lease allows) with a written itemized statement. Wrongful withholding entitles tenants to treble damages plus attorney fees.

Notice to Terminate (C.R.S. § 13-40-107): Either party ending a month-to-month tenancy must give at least 21 days' written notice (extended from 10 days by SB 21-173 in 2021).

Anti-Retaliation (C.R.S. § 38-12-509): Landlords cannot retaliate against tenants for reporting violations, requesting repairs, or exercising legal rights. Retaliatory eviction is a recognized defense in Colorado courts.

Eviction Procedure: Landlords must complete a court-supervised process. Self-help eviction is prohibited under Colorado law.

4. Security Deposit Rules in Security-Widefield

Security deposit rules in Security-Widefield are governed by C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102 and 38-12-103. A security deposit may not exceed two months' rent (C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5, effective August 7, 2023). The return deadline and penalty framework are among the strongest in the nation.

After you vacate, your landlord has 30 days to return the full deposit — along with a written, itemized statement of any deductions — or up to 60 days if your lease expressly provides for the longer period. Provide your forwarding address in writing at move-out; the deadline runs from when the landlord has that address.

If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit — by not returning it, failing to provide the itemized statement, or making impermissible deductions — you may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees under C.R.S. § 38-12-103. Only unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear are permissible deductions.

Claims can be filed in El Paso County Court (small claims division). Document your unit's condition with dated photographs and video at both move-in and move-out.

5. Eviction Process and Your Rights in Security-Widefield

Evictions in Security-Widefield follow Colorado's court-supervised process under C.R.S. §§ 13-40-101 et seq. Self-help eviction — lockouts, utility shutoffs, removal of belongings without a court order — is prohibited.

Step 1 — Written Notice:
• Nonpayment of rent: 10-day 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 21 days' written notice (C.R.S. § 13-40-107).

Step 2 — El Paso County Court Filing: If the tenant does not comply, the landlord files an Unlawful Detainer action. A hearing is typically scheduled within 7–14 days of service.

Step 3 — Hearing: Tenants may raise habitability failures (C.R.S. § 38-12-501), retaliation (C.R.S. § 38-12-509), improper notice, or cure of a curable violation as defenses. Contact Pikes Peak Legal Services or Colorado Legal Services before the hearing.

Step 4 — Writ of Restitution: If the court rules for the landlord and the tenant has not vacated, a Writ of Restitution authorizes an El Paso County sheriff to carry out the physical removal. Only a court-authorized officer may remove a tenant.

6. Resources for Security-Widefield Tenants

• Colorado Legal Services — Statewide free civil legal services for low-income Coloradans, including eviction defense and deposit disputes.
• Pikes Peak Legal Services — Local legal aid organization serving El Paso County residents, including Security-Widefield renters facing housing legal issues.
• Colorado Poverty Law Project — Supports legal aid providers and maintains housing resources for Colorado renters.
• Colorado Division of Housing — State agency administering rental assistance and housing stability programs.
• El Paso County Court — Where eviction and small claims security deposit cases are filed for Security-Widefield residents.

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