Colorado Hotel and Motel Tenant Rights: What Renters Need to Know

Staying in a hotel or motel can blur the line between a guest and a tenant, especially in Colorado. If you've been living in one of these accommodations long-term, you may have more rights than you realize. This guide explains hotel and motel tenancy laws in Colorado, how to understand if you have tenant rights, and what forms and agencies can help protect you as a renter.

Hotel & Motel Residency: Are You a Tenant or a Guest?

Whether you're protected by Colorado tenant laws depends on how long you've lived in the hotel or motel, your payment arrangements, and what agreements (if any) you signed. In Colorado, people who stay in hotels or motels for extended periods often become “tenants,” especially if they:

• Have lived in the same unit for 30 days or more
• Pay regular rent on a weekly or monthly basis
• Receive mail or have made the hotel/motel their primary residence

If you meet these conditions, you could be covered by the Colorado Residential Tenants and Landlord Act and have legal protections against sudden eviction or unsafe living conditions^[1].

Eviction Rules for Hotel and Motel Residents in Colorado

Guests may be asked to vacate immediately, but once you're considered a tenant, Colorado law requires formal eviction procedures. That means you must receive written notice (such as a "Notice to Quit") and have the right to challenge an eviction through the court.

• Notice Periods: Tenants generally must receive at least 10 days' notice to vacate for nonpayment or other lease violations^[2].
• If the hotel or motel tries to lock you out or remove your belongings without notice or court order, that's likely an illegal "self-help eviction."

Official Eviction Notice Forms

• Notice to Quit (JDF 97): Used by hotels/motels to notify tenants of lease termination or eviction. If you've received this form, you are being formally asked to leave.
  Example: If you fall behind on a weekly payment after staying more than 30 days, the motel must serve you this notice to start eviction.
  Download Colorado Notice to Quit Form (JDF 97)
• Summons and Complaint (JDF 99 & JDF 98): These court forms are required if the landlord/hotel seeks to evict you through the courts.
  View Landlord-Tenant Court Forms

Tenants have the right to respond once a complaint is filed. Colorado provides a form for filing your answer:

• Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure (JDF 102): File this form with the court to explain your side. Answer Form (JDF 102)

Resident Protections in Motels & Hotels

If you've become a tenant, you have certain rights in Colorado:

• Protection from lockouts and forced evictions without a court order
• Minimum notice before a rent increase (typically 21 days for month-to-month tenants)
• Rights to repairs and habitability under the Colorado Warranty of Habitability Law

Who Oversees Hotel and Motel Tenancy Disputes in Colorado?

All residential eviction cases in Colorado are handled by the civil division of the Colorado County Court. This is where disputes about hotel/motel tenancy, unpaid rent, or eviction must be filed and resolved^[3].

Action Steps for Hotel or Motel Tenants Facing Eviction in Colorado

• Ask directly: Am I being treated as a guest or a tenant? How long have I lived here?
• If you receive a written eviction notice, check that it gives you proper notice period according to Colorado law.
• Do not leave until you've received written notice and a court order—if you qualify as a tenant.
• If a court complaint is filed, file your Answer (JDF 102) with the court and attend the scheduled hearing.
• Contact legal aid or the court's self-help center for guidance on your rights and options.

Understanding these steps can help you respond quickly and protect your housing rights during a hotel or motel stay.

FAQ: Colorado Hotel & Motel Tenant Rights

1. When does someone staying in a Colorado hotel or motel become a tenant?
   Usually after living in the same room for 30 days or more, paying regular rent, or making the unit your primary home.
2. Can a motel evict me without notice?
   No, not if you're considered a tenant. You must be given written notice and an opportunity to respond in court.
3. What official forms do I need if I'm being evicted?
   You'll likely receive a "Notice to Quit (JDF 97)" and, if taken to court, a "Summons and Complaint (JDF 99 & JDF 98)". File your "Answer (JDF 102)" to respond.
4. Where do I go if I need help with a hotel/motel eviction in Colorado?
   Contact the Colorado County Court or local legal aid organizations for guidance and forms.
5. Do hotel and motel tenants have the right to repairs?
   Yes, tenants in Colorado are covered by the state's Warranty of Habitability laws after meeting residency requirements.

Key Takeaways

• If you stay 30+ days in a hotel or motel, you may become a tenant under Colorado law.
• Tenants must receive formal written notice and have eviction protections—including the right to answer in court.
• Colorado County Court handles hotel/motel eviction disputes. Use official forms and seek help if unsure of your rights.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado County Court Directory – for filing eviction answers or finding your local courthouse.
• Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help – access to official court forms and guidance for renters.
• Colorado Legal Services – free or low-cost legal help for qualifying renters facing eviction or housing loss.
• Colorado Housing Connects – information, referrals, and tenant support statewide.

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 12 – Residential Tenants & Landlord Act: Full Legislation PDF
2. Colorado Notice Requirements: C.R.S. § 13-40-107: Eviction Procedures
3. Colorado County Courts – Landlord-Tenant Cases: Official Court Directory

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