In Colorado, landlord entry is primarily governed by the terms of the lease agreement, as state statutes are surprisingly silent on a general notice period. However, as of January 1, 2026, new transparency and habitability laws have clarified the “reasonable” standards for access.
Entry Without Prior Notice
A landlord may enter without consent only in limited circumstances:
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True Emergencies: Immediate entry is permitted for crises like fire, flooding, or gas leaks that threaten the safety of the tenant or the integrity of the property.
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Abandonment: If the tenant has clearly abandoned the property, the landlord may enter to secure it.
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Repair Requests: Under the updated Warranty of Habitability (
C.R.S. § 38-12-503
Standard Entry and “Reasonable” Notice
For non-emergencies (inspections, repairs, or showings), Colorado law relies on the following:
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The Lease Agreement: Most Colorado leases specify a 24-hour notice period. If the lease is silent, Colorado courts and the
Colorado Division of Real Estate -
Bed Bug Inspections: Per
C.R.S. § 38-12-1004 -
Reasonable Times: Entry must occur at a reasonable time and in a reasonable manner.
2026 Legal Updates
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HB25-1090 (Price Transparency): While this bill focused on “junk fees,” it reinforced that any costs associated with mandatory maintenance or inspections must be disclosed upfront.
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Pre-Move-Out Inspections: As of January 1, 2026, tenants have a new right to request a final walk-through with the landlord after furniture is removed. The landlord must provide notice and coordinate a mutually convenient time for this entry.
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Covenant of Quiet Enjoyment: Regardless of what a lease says, Colorado law protects your right to privacy. Frequent or unannounced “drop-bys” can be legally classified as harassment or a breach of the lease.
The information for this answer was found on our Colorado Landlord Tenant Rights answers.