Domestic Violence Tenant Protections in Colorado

Every renter in Colorado deserves to feel safe at home. If you have experienced domestic violence, state law offers special protections—whether you need to change your locks, break a lease for safety, or ensure your landlord cannot retaliate. Understanding these rights can help you make safer choices and access the legal support you need.

Understanding Domestic Violence Protections for Colorado Renters

Colorado’s tenancy laws protect renters who are victims of domestic violence or abuse. Landlords have specific responsibilities, and you as a tenant have important rights that allow you to secure your home or leave when necessary for safety.

Key Legal Protections You Should Know

• Changing Locks: Colorado law requires landlords to change or rekey locks at your request if you provide written documentation of domestic violence or abuse. This keeps abusers out of your home even if they have a key.
• Early Lease Termination: Tenants who are victims of domestic violence can break their lease early without penalty by providing proper notice and supporting documentation.
• Anti-Retaliation: Landlords cannot retaliate against you for using these rights, such as trying to evict you simply because you sought protection.

These protections are found in the Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.) § 38-12-402, 38-12-404, and 13-40-104 ^[1].

Your Rights to Change Locks for Safety

If you fear for your safety due to domestic violence, you may request that your landlord change or rekey the locks. State law requires landlords to act within 24 hours of your written request, provided you include one of the following:

• A protection order (such as a civil restraining order)
• A police report documenting domestic violence

Only you and occupants you authorize will receive new keys. The perpetrator must not be given a copy, even if previously named on the lease.

How to Request a Lock Change

• Write a note or fill out a form requesting a lock change for domestic violence reasons.
• Attach a copy of your protection order or police report (ensure sensitive details are omitted for privacy if needed).
• Keep a copy for your records and submit the original to your landlord or property manager.

There is no official state-issued form, but your written request can simply state:

“I am a tenant requesting a lock change due to being a victim of domestic violence, as permitted under Colorado law. Attached is the required documentation.”

Breaking a Lease Early for Safety Reasons

If you need to move out for safety, Colorado law allows you to terminate your lease early by providing:

• Written notice to your landlord (at least 14 days in advance, or less in emergencies)
• Documentation proving domestic violence or abuse (such as a protection order or police report, dated within the last 60 days)

The "Notice of Intent to Vacate due to Domestic Violence" (no official state form, but a simple letter is valid) should include:

• Your name and address
• A statement requesting release from the lease due to domestic violence, referencing Colorado law
• The intended move-out date
• Attached documentation

Submit this notice to your landlord and keep a copy for your own file. Once these steps are completed, you are no longer responsible for future rent after the move-out date (though you may need to pay up to one month's rent as required by law).

Relevant Official Forms and Where to Find Them

• Protection Order (Form JDF 402): Official court form to request a restraining order.
  Use when you seek legal protection from abuse; file with your local court.
  Get Colorado Protection Order Forms and Instructions
• Police Report: Obtain from your local police department if you report domestic violence. This may be used as documentation for both lock changes and lease termination.

Most notices to landlords are done in writing rather than through specific state forms. Always keep records of what you send and receive.

What Landlords Must (and Cannot) Do

• Landlords must honor valid requests for lock changes and early lease termination for domestic violence victims.
• They cannot refuse, evict, or retaliate because you assert these rights.
• Breach of these duties can be reported to the appropriate tribunal or the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies.

If You Need to File a Complaint or Escalate

If your landlord does not comply, you can:

• Contact the Colorado Office of Tenant-Landlord Relations
• If necessary, apply to the Colorado County Court (the housing tribunal for residential disputes) for relief

FAQ: Domestic Violence Tenant Protections in Colorado

1. Can my landlord evict me for requesting protections as a domestic violence victim?
   No, Colorado law prohibits landlords from evicting or retaliating against tenants for seeking domestic violence protections, including lock changes or early lease termination.
2. Do I need a lawyer to request a lock change or break my lease for safety?
   While you do not need a lawyer, having legal aid or advocates can help ensure your documentation and communications are complete. Simple written notice and the required documentation are usually enough.
3. What kind of documentation can I use to prove domestic violence for these protections?
   You may use a court-issued protection order or a police report from the last 60 days. Either document generally satisfies the legal requirements.
4. How quickly must my landlord change the locks after I request it?
   Your landlord must change or rekey the locks within 24 hours of receiving your written notice with proper documentation.
5. If my partner is on the lease but I need protection, what happens?
   The perpetrator must not be allowed back in or be issued new keys, even if they are a named tenant, once you provide valid documentation.

Key Takeaways

• Colorado offers strong legal protections for renters facing domestic violence, including mandatory lock changes and early lease termination rights.
• No official state form is required for most notices, but documentation (like a protection order or police report) is essential.
• If you encounter landlord resistance, contact the Office of Tenant-Landlord Relations or your local court for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Office of Tenant-Landlord Relations – rental rights inquiries, complaints, and resources.
• Colorado Department of Human Services – Domestic Violence Services – for safety planning and support resources.
• Colorado County Court Locator – for filing protection orders and resolving tenancy disputes.
• Colorado Protection Order Forms and Information

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes, Sections 38-12-402, 38-12-404, 13-40-104
2. Office of Tenant-Landlord Relations, Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies
3. Colorado Judicial Branch: Protection Order Forms
4. Colorado County Courts – Residential Tenancy Disputes

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