Colorado Tenant Harassment Laws
Colorado prohibits landlords from retaliating against tenants who exercise their rights under the Warranty of Habitability Act or other tenant protection laws, and separately makes it unlawful for a landlord to remove or exclude a tenant from a dwelling unit without going to court, including by shutting off utilities or changing locks.
Key Rules
- Anti Harassment
- Retaliation prohibited; harassment may support habitability-based claims
- Penalties
- For unlawful removal/exclusion (self-help eviction, § 38-12-510[ not confirmed ]): actual damages plus the greater of three times monthly rent or $5,000, plus attorney fees and costs.
- 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
Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.
Applicable Statutes
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-509
Prohibited landlord actions and retaliation: landlord may not retaliate against a tenant for exercising habitability rights, reporting code violations, or joining a tenant organization.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Unlawful removal or exclusion: landlord may not remove or exclude a tenant from a dwelling unit without resorting to court process, including by willfully shutting off utilities or removing doors, windows, or locks. Tenant may recover statutory damages equal to actual damages plus the greater of three times the monthly rent or $5,000, plus attorney fees and costs.
Not confirmed against its source · checked
Legal Aid Resources
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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.