Colorado Residential Lease Disclosure Requirements: What Renters Need to Know

If you are renting a home or apartment in Colorado, it’s important to know your rights before you sign a lease. State law requires landlords to provide specific information, called "disclosures," to tenants in every residential rental agreement. These are protections designed to ensure renters are aware of property conditions, their rights, and landlord responsibilities.

What Disclosures Must Be Provided in Colorado Residential Leases?

Colorado has laws requiring landlords to disclose certain facts about the rental unit—often before you sign the lease or move in. Here are the most critical disclosures for residential leases in Colorado:

• Landlord's Contact Information: Landlords must provide the name and address of the property owner or the person authorized to manage the premises, so tenants know who to contact for repairs or emergencies.^[1]
• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: For properties built before 1978, federal law requires landlords to provide tenants with a lead warning statement and EPA-approved informational pamphlet. See EPA disclosure guidance.
• Written Notice of Methamphetamine Contamination (if applicable): If the unit was previously used as a meth lab and not fully remediated, the landlord must notify tenants in writing. See Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment guidance.
• Bed Bug Disclosure (upon request): If a tenant asks, landlords must disclose whether there’s been a bed bug infestation in the unit or common areas within the prior 8 months. More at the Colorado General Assembly website.
• Security Deposit Terms: Written leases must clearly state how security deposit refunds are handled, the conditions for withholding, and the maximum timeline for returning the deposit. For details, see Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103.
• Mold Disclosure (if landlord knows): While not specifically required by statute, Colorado courts have upheld that landlords should warn tenants if a known hazardous mold issue exists.

Some disclosures must be in writing and delivered before you sign the lease; others, like meth or bed bug history, are given when requested or relevant. Always ask your landlord for copies of disclosures if you didn’t receive them.

Key Forms Used in Colorado Residential Leasing

• Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Form
  You will receive this if you’re renting a unit built before 1978. It must be signed by both landlord and tenant. For a sample form and more details, visit the official EPA Lead Disclosure Form.
  When it’s used: Example: If you’re looking at an older Denver apartment, the landlord must give you this form before you sign the lease. Make sure to read and keep a copy.
• Written Methamphetamine Disclosure (No specific statewide form number)
  If a unit has been used for meth production and not fully cleaned up, the landlord must notify you in writing. See state meth lab disclosure info.
  When it’s used: Example: If you ask about the unit history and the landlord knows of prior drug contamination, you must receive this notice before moving in.

What Happens If Disclosures Aren't Provided?

If a landlord does not provide required disclosures, this could mean they are violating state or federal law. You may have a right to take legal action, withhold rent in some cases, or request that the lease be canceled. However, it’s important to consult the appropriate legal process and not act unilaterally.

Relevant Tenancy Legislation

The rules for disclosures and leases are found primarily in the Colorado Residential Tenants Health and Safety Act and Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 - Tenant and Landlord (also sometimes referred to as the "Colorado Residential Landlord Tenant Act").

Rental disputes, including those relating to disclosures, are handled by the Colorado County Courts.

Colorado Residential Lease Disclosure Requirements: Common Renter Questions

1. What do I do if my landlord doesn't give me a lead-based paint disclosure?
   If your rental unit was built before 1978 and you didn’t receive the required disclosure, request it immediately. If your landlord still refuses, you can contact the EPA or a local legal aid service to understand your options, which may include ending the lease or seeking damages.
2. Am I entitled to know about mold or other hazards in my apartment?
   Yes. If the landlord knows about hazardous conditions like mold or meth contamination, they must disclose this before or during your lease. Document all requests and responses in writing.
3. How quickly must my landlord return my security deposit, and must this be in the lease?
   The lease must state how deposits are returned. By law, Colorado landlords must return the deposit within 1 month after you move out (unless the lease allows up to 60 days). See Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103.
4. Who handles official complaints or disputes in Colorado residential leases?
   Most rental disputes are filed in your local Colorado County Court.
5. Can I break my lease if my landlord didn’t make a required disclosure?
   You may have grounds to break the lease if a major required disclosure was withheld, but you should consult with an attorney, renter advocacy service, or your local county court clerk before taking action.

Key Takeaways for Colorado Renters

• Colorado law protects renters by requiring several important disclosures at the start of a lease.
• Always request written documentation for lead paint, meth contamination, and security deposit terms.
• If you’re missing disclosures, reach out to your landlord and seek legal support as needed.

Understanding disclosure requirements makes your renting experience safer and ensures your landlord is following state and federal law.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Courts Self Help – Information on tenant rights and how to file complaints.
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs: Rental Assistance & Tenant Resources
• Colorado Legal Services – Tenant Rights
• EPA: Protect Your Family from Lead in Your Home
• Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment: Meth Lab Information

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 12 – Tenant and Landlord Law
2. Lead-Based Paint Disclosure Rule: EPA Real Estate Disclosure
3. Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Residential Renters Rights
4. Colorado County Courts Directory: Find Your Court

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