Can a Colorado Landlord Raise Rent During a Lease?

If you are renting in Colorado and your landlord has given notice about raising your rent before your lease ends, you might be unsure about your rights. Colorado has specific laws about when and how rent can be increased in a lease agreement. This guide explains what’s legal, what’s not, and what you should do if you receive a rent increase notice during an active lease term.

Understanding Rent Increases in Colorado Leases

In Colorado, whether your landlord can raise your rent in the middle of your lease depends on the type of lease you have:

• Fixed-term leases (for example, 12 months): Rent cannot be raised until the end of the lease term unless an increase is specifically allowed in your lease agreement.
• Month-to-month or periodic leases: Landlords may raise rent, but they must provide proper advance written notice.

For most renters with a fixed-term lease, your rent amount is locked in for the entire lease period. Only after the lease has expired may the landlord propose a rent increase, unless your contract says otherwise.^[1]

Legal Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

If you are renting month-to-month or your lease allows for mid-term increases, Colorado law requires landlords to give advance notice depending on how long you have lived there:

• 7 days notice if you have lived there for up to one year
• 21 days notice if you have lived there for more than one year^[2]

The notice must be written and delivered to you according to the terms in your lease or Colorado law.

What to Do If You Receive a Rent Increase Mid-Lease

If you receive a notice about a rent increase before your current lease term ends, take the following steps:

• Review your written lease agreement for any clause about rent adjustments during the lease term.
• If there is no such clause, inform your landlord in writing that a rent increase is not permitted until lease renewal.
• If your landlord insists, contact the proper state resources for help (see resources below).

Relevant Colorado Official Forms

• Notice to Quit (No. JDF 97): Used by landlords to notify tenants to vacate the property, often when a lease ends or after repeated non-payment. View and download Notice to Quit form (JDF 97). Example: If your landlord wishes to end your tenancy after a rent dispute, they may serve you this notice.
• Answer under Simplified Forcible Entry and Detainer (No. JDF 99): Tenants can file this form when responding to an eviction action in court. Access the Answer Form (JDF 99). Example: Use this if you’re taken to court after refusing an illegal mid-lease rent increase.

Which Tribunal Handles Residential Tenancies?

In Colorado, residential tenancy disputes are typically handled by the Colorado County Court system. For complaints or legal actions related to rent increases or eviction, your case will generally be filed in the county court for your area.

What Does Colorado Law Say?

The key law for renters and landlords in Colorado is the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 - Property: Landlord and Tenant. This law outlines what is required for rental agreements, evictions, and rent increases.

FAQ: Colorado Rent Increases During Active Leases

1. Can my landlord raise rent in the middle of my lease?
   If you have a fixed-term lease, Colorado law generally does not allow rent increases before the lease ends unless your agreement has a clause permitting it.
2. How much notice must my landlord give for a rent increase?
   For month-to-month renters, your landlord must give at least 7 days’ notice (if renting for up to 1 year) or 21 days’ notice (if renting for over 1 year).
3. What if my landlord tries to raise my rent illegally?
   You should inform them in writing that it isn’t allowed by state law or your lease. If problems persist, seek advice from Colorado’s renter resources.
4. Does Colorado have statewide rent control?
   No. As of now, Colorado does not have statewide rent control laws, but individual cities may have additional rules.
5. Who do I contact if I need help or want to file a complaint?
   Refer to the resource section below for official government agencies and legal support.

Summary: Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Landlords generally cannot raise rent mid-lease for fixed-term agreements without a specific lease clause.
• Month-to-month tenants must receive proper written notice for any rent increase.
• Check your lease and use official forms if you need to respond or seek help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Rental Assistance & Tenant Resources
• Colorado Legal Services – Tenant Rights Program
• Colorado County Courts – File or respond to official tenant-landlord cases
• Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 – Landlord and Tenant Laws

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 – Landlord and Tenant
2. Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Landlord/Tenant FAQ

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