Colorado Rent Prices, Increases, and Caps: 2025 Legal Guide

Understanding your rights as a renter in Colorado can help you plan for the year ahead, especially as 2025 brings changing market trends and possible new rent laws. This guide explains average rent prices, what limits (if any) exist for rent increases, and Colorado's deposit requirements—with links and advice for every step.

What Are Average Rent Prices in Colorado (2025)?

Colorado's rental market varies by city and region, but official government sources such as the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provide estimated averages for fair market rent.

• One-bedroom apartment: Around $1,350 per month (statewide estimate)¹
• Two-bedroom apartment: Around $1,650 per month
• Metro Denver: Generally higher, with two-bedroom rents averaging $1,800–$2,100
• Rural areas: Lower, sometimes under $1,000 for a one-bedroom unit

Keep in mind that these are estimates. Check the latest Colorado rental market reports to confirm what’s typical in your area.

Are There Rent Control Laws or Rent Caps in Colorado?

Currently, Colorado state law does not impose statewide rent control or rent caps on most private residential properties. Under Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38 – Property, cities and counties cannot enact their own local rent control ordinances except under specific circumstances.²

• Landlords can generally raise rent by any amount, as long as they follow proper notice rules.
• Special rules may apply in mobile home parks and certain government-subsidized housing.

For more on exceptions and updates, check official notices from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing.

Notice Requirements for Rent Increases

Landlords must provide written notice before increasing rent. The timing depends on your rental agreement:

• Month-to-month leases: At least 21 days’ written notice before the next rental period.
• Longer-term leases: Rent typically can’t be changed until renewal, unless the lease allows mid-term increases.

See C.R.S. § 38-12-701 for full details.

Fees and Security Deposits: What Landlords Can Charge

Colorado law does not set a specific dollar cap on security deposits, but it requires that deposits be reasonable and returned promptly unless properly withheld for damages or unpaid rent.

• Deposit return deadline: 30 days after lease ends (unless lease allows up to 60 days)
• Itemized statement: Required for any deductions from the deposit

Landlords may charge certain nonrefundable fees (such as application fees), but these must also be reasonable and typically cannot be used in place of a deposit.

Relevant Official Forms for Colorado Renters

• Colorado Security Deposit Demand Letter
  When to use: If your landlord fails to return your deposit within the deadline.
  How to use: After the deadline passes, send this letter to request your funds. If the landlord still does not respond, you may take court action.
  Download Sample Tenant Security Deposit Demand Letter (PDF)
• Small Claims Court Forms
  When to use: To file a complaint if a landlord unlawfully keeps your deposit.
  How to use: Obtain and file the correct form (JDF 250) with your county court.
  Access Small Claims Forms (Colorado Judicial Branch)

Which Board or Tribunal Handles Rental Disputes?

In Colorado, rental disputes and tenant complaints are generally handled through the County Courts. The Mobile Home Park Oversight Program specifically oversees mobile home park concerns.

Citing Colorado’s Tenancy Laws

Most landlord-tenant law is found in Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38 – Property. You can always find the most recent laws there or through the Division of Housing website.

Frequently Asked Questions: Colorado Rent, Fees & Deposits

1. Are there any limits on how much my landlord can raise the rent in Colorado?
   There are no state-imposed limits on rent increases for most properties. However, your landlord must give you written notice as required by law.
2. How can I get my security deposit back if the landlord does not return it?
   First, send a written demand letter (see above), and if you don’t get a response, file a claim in small claims court using the official court form.
3. Is my landlord allowed to charge any nonrefundable fees in Colorado?
   Landlords can charge certain reasonable nonrefundable fees (like application fees), but these must be disclosed and not used as a substitute for a deposit.
4. Who do I contact for help with a rental housing dispute in Colorado?
   Start with your local County Court for most disputes, or contact Colorado’s Division of Housing for information and assistance.
5. Where can I find the exact text of Colorado’s landlord-tenant law?
   The best source is the latest online version of Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38 – Property.

Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters in 2025

• Colorado law currently allows landlords to set and raise rents with proper written notice, except in some subsidized housing and mobile home parks.
• Security deposits must be returned within the legal deadline, and renters have official forms to help recover them if withheld.
• Help is available through official channels such as County Courts and the Division of Housing.

Staying informed and keeping good records can help you avoid common rental issues throughout the year.

Need Help? Resources for Renters in Colorado

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Housing: Information, forms, and oversight for rentals in Colorado
• Colorado County Courts: File rental disputes and small claims
• Colorado Housing Connects: Free helpline and resources for renters
• Colorado Legal Services: Legal help for renters facing eviction or disputes

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1. Based on HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) Data for 2024-2025 and DOLA summaries: HUD FMR Data
2. Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38 – Property: Read full text here

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