Colorado Rent Control Laws: What Renters Should Know for the Future

If you’re renting in Colorado, you may have heard about the ongoing debate over rent control and what the future might hold for limits on rent increases. Colorado renters have faced rapidly rising rents, especially in urban areas, and there’s growing interest in what protections or regulations may be coming.

Understanding Current Colorado Rent Control Laws

At this time, Colorado does not have statewide rent control or rent stabilization laws. In fact, under current law, cities and towns are generally prohibited from enacting their own rent control ordinances. This means landlords largely set rent amounts, subject only to basic notice requirements and anti-discrimination laws.^[1]

• There are no statewide caps on how much a landlord can increase your rent each year.
• Landlords must provide at least 21 days' written notice for any rent increase to a month-to-month tenant. Fixed-term leases may have different rules.
• Local governments currently cannot impose rent control laws but are permitted to require affordable housing through specific programs (sometimes called "inclusionary zoning").

Learn more from the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 – Property: Landlord and Tenant Act.

Recent Legislative Actions and the Push for Rent Control

Colorado lawmakers have considered bills that would let local governments adopt rent control or rent stabilization policies. For example, the 2023 legislative session saw House Bill 23-1115, which aimed to overturn the statewide ban on local rent control. Although it generated debate and media attention, this bill did not become law.^[2]

• Efforts like HB23-1115 would have allowed cities to limit rent increases on certain properties under local ordinances.
• The majority of current proposals focus on giving cities power to craft their own (local) rent stabilization, rather than enacting a single statewide standard.
• Advocates argue this flexibility is important as local housing markets can differ significantly across Colorado.

While legislative momentum continues, as of now, there is no rent control or rent cap anywhere in Colorado. It’s wise to stay up to date with official sources such as the Colorado General Assembly for future developments.

What Renters Can Expect in the Near Future

Given persistent housing affordability concerns, rent control is likely to remain a key topic. Here’s what Colorado renters should watch for:

• Proposals allowing local governments to regulate or limit rent increases for certain housing types.
• Potential new tenant protections, such as longer notice periods or greater transparency during rent increases.
• More robust anti-retaliation rules and protection from eviction if you contest a high rent hike.

Required Notices for Rent Increases

Even without rent caps, landlords must legally notify tenants of any rent increase. For month-to-month leases, the required notice is at least 21 days before the increase takes effect. For other lease types, review your written lease and the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) Landlord-Tenant page for more information.

The official body that handles landlord-tenant matters in Colorado is the Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Housing.

Key Tenant Forms in Colorado

• Notice to Quit Form (No. JDF 97):
  Use this form when you plan to move out before your lease ends or want to terminate a month-to-month arrangement. Download and instructions are available at the Colorado Judicial Branch – Notice to Quit.
  Example: If your landlord announces a steep rent increase and you decide to leave, serve a Notice to Quit to provide required legal notice.
• Notice to Vacate/Lease Termination (No. JDF 146):
  This form can be used by tenants to give landlords notice of intent to vacate. More information is available at Colorado Judicial Branch Forms.

Completing these forms and following official timelines protects your rights if you are facing a significant rent hike and wish to move.

FAQ: Colorado Rent Control and Rent Increase Questions

1. Does Colorado have rent control for any city?
   No. As of 2024, no city or county in Colorado has local rent control due to the statewide prohibition. However, lawmakers continue to debate changes to this policy.
2. How much notice must a landlord give before raising rent?
   For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must give at least 21 days' written notice before a rent increase takes effect.
3. Can my landlord increase my rent by any amount?
   Currently, yes—there is no legal maximum increase. However, proposed laws may one day limit the amount or frequency of rent hikes.
4. Are there any official forms to use if I decide to move out because of a rent increase?
   Yes. Tenants should use the Notice to Quit (Form JDF 97) or a Notice to Vacate, found via the Colorado Judicial Branch website.
5. Where can renters check for new developments about rent control?
   Visit the Colorado General Assembly bill tracking system or sign up for DOLA updates for official information.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Landlord/Tenant Resources (guides, complaint forms)
• Colorado Judicial Branch Self Help Center – Housing
• Division of Housing Official Support Portal
• Colorado General Assembly – Bill Finder

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1. See Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-601 et seq. for rental and lease provisions.
2. Track legislative history and bill status at the Colorado General Assembly Bill History portal.

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