What are tenant rights in Colorado?

Colorado tenant rights have expanded significantly since 2019.

1. Security Deposit — Capped at 2 months' rent under CRS § 38-12-102.5 (effective 2024). Landlord must return within 30 days (or up to 60 days if lease specifies) with itemized list of deductions. Wrongful retention exposes landlord to 3x damages plus attorney fees.

2. Warranty of Habitability — CRS § 38-12-503 establishes a comprehensive warranty: premises must be fit for human habitation, free from material conditions endangering life, health, or safety, including functioning appliances, hot water, heat, weatherproofing, electrical, plumbing, sanitation, and absence of mold/vermin.

3. Tenant Remedies — CRS § 38-12-507 provides robust remedies: written notice to landlord (24-96 hours depending on hazard), then injunctive relief, rent abatement, lease termination, repair-and-deduct, and damages (1x monthly rent + actual damages + attorney fees).

4. Notice for Entry — No specific statute; reasonable notice (typically 24 hours) expected.

5. Eviction Notice — CRS § 13-40-104 requires a 10-day notice for nonpayment of rent (extended in 2021 from 3 days). For lease violations, 5-10 days.

6. Termination of Month-to-Month — CRS § 13-40-107 (as amended 2023): 60 days' notice for tenancies of 6+ months, 28 days for shorter, 3 days for week-to-week.

7. Rent Control — HB 24-1098 (2024) authorized local rent stabilization (previously preempted by CRS § 38-12-301).

8. Discrimination — Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act (CRS § 24-34-502) prohibits discrimination on race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, source of income (Section 8 protected), marital status, disability, and many other categories.

9. Retaliation — CRS § 38-12-509 prohibits retaliation for 120 days after tenant complaint or assertion of rights, with treble damages plus attorney fees.

This is legal information, not legal advice.