Colorado Landlord Lease Renewal Rules: What Renters Should Know

If you're renting in Colorado, you may be wondering whether your landlord can refuse to renew your lease, and what your rights are in this situation. Understanding the laws around lease renewals can help you feel confident as your lease term comes to an end. This article breaks down the official rules for lease renewal refusals in Colorado, what types of notice you should receive, and how you can protect yourself.

Lease Renewal Rules in Colorado: What Does the Law Say?

In Colorado, there is currently no statewide law that requires landlords to automatically renew a rental lease. Lease renewal usually depends on the contract you've signed and the landlord's decision, as long as it follows the law and is not discriminatory.

Landlords can choose not to renew a lease at the end of its fixed term, but they must follow Colorado's notice rules and cannot refuse renewal for an illegal or discriminatory reason.

Valid and Invalid Reasons for Non-Renewal

• Allowed: Landlords generally can choose not to renew for any reason, as long as it is not discriminatory or retaliatory.
• Not Allowed: Landlords cannot refuse renewal because of your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status. These are protected classes under the Colorado Fair Housing Act and federal law.
• Retaliation Protection: A landlord cannot refuse to renew your lease because you exercised legal rights, such as requesting repairs or joining a tenant group.¹

In summary: As long as the landlord follows the law, provides required notice, and isn't discriminating or retaliating, they can choose not to renew.

Required Notice for Non-Renewal in Colorado

Colorado law requires landlords to give advance written notice before ending or not renewing a lease. The length of notice depends on how long you've lived in the unit:

• 1 year or more: 91 days’ notice
• 6 months up to 1 year: 28 days’ notice
• 1 month up to 6 months: 21 days’ notice
• 1 week up to 1 month: 3 days’ notice

These notice periods are found in the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12, Section 38-12-701.²

What Official Tribunals and Agencies Handle Lease Disputes?

In Colorado, the Colorado Judicial Branch's County Court handles tenant-landlord disputes, including those related to lease non-renewals. If you believe your landlord acted illegally, you can file a complaint or start a case in County Court.

Important Forms Renters Should Know

• Notice to Vacate (No official form number): Used by landlords to provide written notice when not renewing a lease. It should state the date you must move out and comply with statutory notice periods. Example: If your lease ends in 3 months and you've lived there over a year, your landlord must give you at least 91 days' notice in writing. Official forms and templates are available from Colorado Courts.
• Complaint (Forcible Entry & Detainer) JDF 99: If a landlord tries to make you leave without proper notice or before your lease ends, you can respond to an eviction or file a counterclaim using the JDF 99 form. For example, if you get an eviction notice and believe your rights were violated, this is the form you'll use to respond in County Court.

Always keep written records and copies of any notices sent or received.

Action Steps if Your Lease Is Not Renewed

• Read your lease contract for any renewal clauses.
• Check the written notice you received—make sure it follows state notice rules.
• Document all communications with your landlord.
• Contact Colorado Civil Rights Division if you suspect discrimination.
• Learn your rights or seek help via the County Court if the law was not followed.

Knowing your rights—and who to call for help—will help you navigate the end of your lease with confidence.

FAQ: Lease Non-Renewal in Colorado

1. Can my landlord refuse to renew my lease for any reason?
   In Colorado, landlords can generally refuse lease renewal for any reason, so long as they are not discriminating against you based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status, and are not retaliating because you asserted your legal rights.
2. How much notice should I get if my landlord doesn’t want to renew?
   Your landlord must provide written notice in accordance with the length of your tenancy: 91 days if you've lived there a year or more, less for shorter terms.
3. What should I do if I think my landlord is breaking the law by not renewing?
   If you believe the non-renewal is discriminatory or retaliatory, you can file a complaint with the Colorado Civil Rights Division or seek legal advice. You can also respond in County Court if you’re being evicted unjustly.
4. Will I automatically become a month-to-month tenant if my lease isn’t renewed?
   If the landlord does not give you proper notice, and you stay in the unit with the landlord’s knowledge, you may be considered a month-to-month tenant according to Colorado law. Always check your lease and discuss with your landlord.
5. Where can I find official forms or get help?
   Official forms and resources are available on the Colorado Judicial Branch website and the Colorado Civil Rights Division.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Civil Rights Division – Report housing discrimination or file a complaint.
• Colorado Judicial Branch - County Courts – For tenant-landlord cases and official forms.
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs: Division of Housing – Rental assistance and renter information.

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 (Residential Landlord and Tenant Act) - Section 38-12-509: Prohibited Retaliation
2. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12, Section 38-12-701: Notice Requirements

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