Colorado Automatic Lease Renewal: Key Laws for Renters

Understanding whether your lease renews automatically—and your rights when it does—can help you avoid surprises like unwanted rent increases or accidental extensions. In Colorado, automatic lease renewal laws and notice requirements depend on your rental agreement type. This guide covers what you need to know, the official notice forms involved, and how to protect your rights.

What Is Automatic Lease Renewal?

An automatic lease renewal means your rental agreement will continue for another term unless you or your landlord take action to end it. This can occur either because of specific clauses in your lease or by default under Colorado law if no action is taken to terminate the tenancy.

Types of Rental Agreements Affected

In Colorado, rental agreements typically fall into:

• Fixed-term leases (e.g., 12 months): These may contain clauses about automatic renewal.
• Month-to-month leases: These typically renew each month unless notice is given.

It’s important to read your lease document for any specific language about renewal or termination. Colorado law adds notice requirements to protect both renters and landlords.

Notice Requirements for Lease Renewal or Termination

If you want to end or not renew your lease in Colorado, you must provide the correct amount of notice. According to Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 38-12-701:

• Month-to-month tenancy: At least 21 days’ written notice before the end of the rental period.
• Longer-term leases (e.g., 3–6 months): 91 days’ notice may be required, depending on duration. Review your lease and C.R.S. § 38-12-701 for details.

If neither party gives proper notice, a fixed-term lease may convert to a month-to-month under state law.

Lease Clauses: What to Look For

Some leases include an "automatic renewal" clause. Colorado law states that if your lease has an automatic renewal of more than one month, your landlord must include a written reminder and have you sign or initial that clause at the time of signing ^[1]. Without this, the clause may not be enforceable.

Example Situation:

• Your lease says it will “automatically renew for another 12 months” unless notice is given.
• If your landlord did not specifically point out and have you sign/initial this, you may challenge the automatic renewal.

Official Notice Forms for Colorado Renters

• Notice of Termination (No Official State Form Number): Use written notice (letter) to end a lease. Clearly state the intention to end tenancy and the last day you’ll occupy the premises.

You do not need a special form, but written documentation is important. For guidance, see the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Renter Resources page.

How to Protect Yourself

• Carefully read your lease for automatic renewal clauses.
• Mark your calendar to provide notice on time, if moving out.
• Keep copies of all correspondence with your landlord.
• If your lease tries to auto-renew for more than one month and your landlord did not have you separately sign/initial that section, consider getting legal advice.

What If There’s a Dispute?

If you and your landlord disagree about renewal, notice, or any part of your lease, you have the right to seek a resolution. In Colorado, most rental disputes are handled through your local county court system—not a separate tenant tribunal. For legal guidance, review the Colorado County Courts information page, or contact Colorado Legal Services.

FAQ: Colorado Lease Renewal and Notice

1. Does a Colorado landlord have to remind tenants about automatic renewal?
   Yes, if the lease automatically renews for more than one month, state law requires the landlord to provide written notice at lease signing and have the tenant sign or initial that provision.
2. What happens if I forget to give notice and stay after my lease ends?
   If you stay past the original end date, your lease often becomes a month-to-month tenancy. You and your landlord must then follow the month-to-month notice rules.
3. How much notice do I give for ending a month-to-month lease in Colorado?
   You must send written notice at least 21 days before the end of the rental period.
4. Can a landlord increase rent during an automatic renewal?
   Generally, yes. But a landlord must provide appropriate advance notice (usually 21 days for month-to-month tenancies) of any rent increase under Colorado law.
5. What if my lease’s automatic renewal clause isn’t clearly written or signed?
   The automatic renewal may not be enforceable, especially for renewals longer than one month where you did not sign or initial the clause.

Conclusion: What Renters Should Remember

• Colorado requires specific notice periods to end or not renew leases—missing a deadline can extend your tenancy.
• Leases with automatic renewals longer than one month must be separately signed or initialed.
• Always document communication and review the Colorado Revised Statutes or consult renter resources if you have questions.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) - Renter Resources
• Colorado County Courts - Residential Landlord/Tenant Cases
• Colorado Legal Services – Free legal help for qualifying tenants
• Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 – Tenant and Landlord Law

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1. See: Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 38-12-702
2. Notice requirements: C.R.S. § 38-12-701
3. Renter resources: DOLA Renter Resources
4. Court information: Colorado County Courts

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