Colorado Landlord-Tenant Law at a Glance
Colorado has tightened its rental rules steadily since 2019. Deposits have been capped at two months’ rent since August 7, 2023 (C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5), late fees are limited to the greater of $50 or 5% of the past-due rent, and landlords must give 10 days’ notice before filing for unpaid rent.
How Long Does a Landlord Have to Return a Security Deposit in Colorado?
A Colorado landlord has one month to return the deposit, or up to 60 days if the lease says so, with a written statement of any deductions.
| Maximum Deposit | Two months’ rent (since August 7, 2023) |
| Return Deadline | One month; up to 60 days if the lease specifies |
| Interest Required | No |
| Itemized Statement | Required; normal wear and tear cannot be deducted |
| Statute Reference | C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103 |
How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Colorado?
Colorado does not cap rent increases and bars local rent control, but a landlord must give 60 days’ written notice and may raise rent only once in 12 months.
| Grace Period | No late fee until rent is 7 days late |
| Late Fee Limit | Greater of $50 or 5% of the past-due rent; must be in the lease |
| Rent Control Status | Prohibited statewide (C.R.S. § 38-12-301) |
| Rent Increase Notice | 60 days; no more than once in 12 months |
| Statute Reference | C.R.S. §§ 38-12-105, 38-12-701 |
How to Evict a Tenant in Colorado
A Colorado eviction for unpaid rent requires a 10-day written demand for payment or possession. Tenants of 12 months or more are covered by the state’s for-cause eviction law.
| Non-Payment Notice | 10 days |
| Lease Violation Notice | 10 days to cure |
| Month-to-Month Notice | 21 days (tenancy 1–6 months), 28 days (6–12 months), 91 days (1 year or more); cause required after 12 months |
| Illegal Activity | 3 days for a substantial violation |
| Statute Reference | C.R.S. §§ 13-40-104, 13-40-107, 13-40-107.5 |
Can a Landlord Enter Without Permission in Colorado?
Colorado has no statute setting an entry notice period, so the lease terms and reasonable notice govern.
| Notice Required | No statutory period; follow the lease |
| Emergency Entry | Allowed |
| Permitted Reasons | Repairs, inspections, showings as the lease allows |
What Must a Colorado Lease Disclose?
- Lead-based paint disclosure (pre-1978 housing)
- Any late fee must be disclosed in the lease (C.R.S. § 38-12-105)
- Name and address of the landlord or agent
What Repairs Is a Landlord Responsible For in Colorado?
Colorado’s warranty of habitability requires working heat, water, plumbing, electricity and weatherproofing, and a landlord must respond to written notice of a problem within 24 hours.
What Colorado landlords must maintain
- • Maintain weatherproofing, plumbing, heat, hot and cold water and electrical systems
- • Keep the unit free of mold, pests and conditions that endanger health or safety
- • Respond to written notice of a condition within 24 hours and begin remediation promptly
What a Colorado tenant can do
- • Written notice triggering the landlord’s response deadlines
- • Court action for damages, rent reduction or injunctive relief
| Statute Reference | C.R.S. §§ 38-12-503 to 38-12-507 |