Colorado Rent Increase Laws

Last Updated: January 23, 2023 by Ashley Porter

Does Colorado Have Rent Control?

No, Colorado does not have rent control laws limiting the amount that landlords may ask for rent and state law prohibits local governments
[1]
from establishing their own rent control laws.

How Much Can a Landlord Raise Rent By in Colorado?

In Colorado, landlords can raise the rent by any amount that they wish. There is no legal limit or cap on the amount of a rent increase.

When Can a Landlord Raise Rent in Colorado?

In Colorado, landlords can raise the rent for any reason as long as they give proper notice, don’t do so during the fixed term of a lease (unless the lease allows for it), and aren’t doing so for certain discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.

When Can’t a Landlord Raise Rent in Colorado?

In Colorado, landlords cannot raise the rent during the middle of a lease’s fixed term (unless stated otherwise in the lease agreement), for certain discriminatory reasons (like race or age), for certain retaliatory reasons (such as in response to a tenant joining a union), or when certain conditions exist.

The Federal Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination due to:

• Age
• Race
• Gender (including gender identity)
• Sexual orientation
• Religion
• Nationality or origin
• Familial status
• Disability

Some local jurisdictions have enacted additional protection from discrimination for renters, such as in Denver
[2]
and Boulder
[3]
which prohibit discrimination due to other characteristics including:

• Source of income
• Hairstyle (including headwraps)
• Military status

Colorado law also prevents landlords from increasing rent in retaliation.
[4]
An action by a landlord is considered retaliatory if it occurs after something a tenant does. The law does not specify what time period between the tenant action and rent increase qualifies as retaliation, so landlords should act in good faith when increasing rent.

Rent increases are considered retaliatory
[5]
if they are in response to a tenant action, such as:

• Filing a complaint with the landlord or appropriate agency regarding the health or safety of the property
• Joining or organizing a tenants’ group or union

If the rental unit is a mobile home space, landlords cannot raise the rent
[6]
if the park:

• Is not current on their registration
• Has any unpaid penalties from the division of housing
• Has not complied with any final agency order from the division of housing

How Much Notice is Needed to Raise Rent in Colorado?

Landlords in Colorado must give tenants at least 60 days’ notice before increasing rent when there is no written lease agreement.
[7]
There is no state statute requiring a specific notice period when there is a written lease agreement, but landlords cannot increase rent during the lease term.

How Often Can Rent Be Increased in Colorado?

Landlords in Colorado can only increase the rent once per year.
[9]