Colorado Tenant Rights
Colorado has significantly strengthened tenant protections in recent years.
Last reviewed:
Key Laws by Topic
Eviction Laws
- Notice Period:
- 21 days for month-to-month tenancy without cause
- Just Cause Required:
- Yes — for most tenancies after 12 months (2024 law)
- Cure Or Quit Period:
- 10 days to cure lease violation; 10 days for nonpayment of rent
- Local Protections:
- Denver and other cities have additional tenant protections
Security Deposit Laws
- Limit:
- 2 months' rent
- Return Deadline:
- 30 days after tenancy (60 days if lease specifies)
- Interest Required:
- No statewide requirement
- Itemization Required:
- Yes — written itemized statement required
- Penalty For Wrongful Withholding:
- Landlord liable for triple the wrongfully withheld amount
Repair & Habitability Laws
- Repair And Deduct:
- Yes — up to $2,000 or one month's rent (whichever is less) after notice period
- Rent Withholding:
- Tenant may withhold rent for uninhabitable conditions after proper notice
- Habitability Standard:
- Free from conditions materially endangering health/safety; compliant with housing codes
- Notice Required:
- Written notice required; response time depends on urgency of repair
Tenant Harassment Laws
- Anti Harassment:
- Retaliation prohibited; harassment may support habitability-based claims
- Penalties:
- Actual damages plus up to $5,000 punitive damages and attorney fees
- Prohibited Conduct:
- Retaliatory rent increases, eviction threats, service cutoffs, harassment for exercising legal rights
- Denver Protections:
- Denver has a Tenant Rights and Resources Office providing additional anti-harassment support
Notice & Entry Laws
- Notice Required:
- 24 hours advance notice for non-emergency entry
- Emergency Entry:
- Permitted without prior notice in emergency situations
- Permissible Reasons:
- Repairs, inspections, showing unit to prospective tenants or buyers
- Time Of Entry:
- Must be at a reasonable time (typically 8 AM – 8 PM)
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Not Legal Advice. This site provides general educational information only — not legal counsel. Laws vary by location. Consult a qualified attorney for advice on your specific situation.