Colorado Lease Renewal Rights: Deadlines & Renter Tips

Renewing your lease in Colorado is a key moment to protect your housing and make sure your rental terms meet your needs. Understanding your rights, deadlines, and available resources can help you make informed decisions and avoid unwanted surprises. Whether you're concerned about a rent increase, unsure about renewal notice periods, or simply want a smooth transition, we've gathered everything you need—to empower Colorado renters through the lease renewal process.

Your Rights When Renewing a Lease in Colorado

In Colorado, renters have specific protections during lease renewal. These rights are detailed in the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 - Tenant and Landlord Law^[1]. The most common types of leases are fixed-term (e.g., one year) and month-to-month. Here's what you need to know:

• You are not required to sign a renewal unless you agree to the new terms.
• For most fixed-term leases, you and your landlord are both bound until the end date, unless you mutually agree to renew or extend.
• If no renewal is signed, and you keep paying rent, your lease usually converts to month-to-month.
• Landlords must provide proper advance notice about non-renewal or changes in terms, including rent increases.

Key Lease Renewal Deadlines

Deadlines impact your ability to renew, negotiate, or find new housing. Colorado law requires the following notice periods from landlords and tenants:

• Non-renewal of lease: If either party does not wish to renew, proper written notice is required. The required notice depends on the length of your tenancy and is outlined in Colorado law:
  
  • Tenancy of 1 year or longer: 91 days' written notice
  • 6 months to 1 year: 28 days' notice
  • 1 month to 6 months: 21 days' notice
  • 1 week to 1 month: 3 days' notice
  • Less than 1 week: 1 day's notice
• Rent increases or other changes: Landlords must provide written notice equal to the non-renewal notice listed above when changing key terms at renewal.

Official Colorado Forms for Lease Renewal and Notice

While Colorado does not have a mandatory state-issued lease renewal form, several important notices are required by law. These include:

• Notice of Non-Renewal of Lease (No Official Form Number)
  When and how used: If you or your landlord decide not to renew, you must give proper written notice. For example, if your one-year lease is ending and you plan to move, you should provide a written notice to your landlord at least 91 days before your lease ends (for leases of 1 year or longer). You may draft your own or use a sample template from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
  See Colorado's landlord-tenant notice resources
• Notice of Rent Increase (No Official Form Number)
  When and how used: If your landlord wants to increase rent at renewal, they must provide written notice within the proper timeframe. This notice must be delivered in writing (and not verbally). You can request written confirmation if you receive only a verbal notice.
  Colorado Rent Increase Notices Guidance
• Written Lease Renewal Agreement (No Official Form Number)
  When and how used: If you and your landlord agree to continue your tenancy but change some terms (like rent or lease length), putting the new agreement in writing is best. This can be a simple written agreement signed by both of you. No state-required form exists, but sample language is available from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.
  Colorado Sample Lease Resources

Where to Get Help or Submit Disputes

If you have a dispute over lease renewals, notices, or landlord actions, you can seek assistance from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing—the main state resource for residential landlord-tenant issues. While Colorado does not have a formal "tenancy tribunal," small claims courts can also address lease-related disputes.

Tips for a Smooth Lease Renewal Process in Colorado

• Mark important deadlines on your calendar as soon as you sign your lease.
• Communicate early with your landlord about your renewal intentions—ask about any changes to the terms.
• If negotiating, discuss rent or other terms well before the notice period is up.
• Put all agreements in writing and retain copies.
• Contact the Division of Housing if you believe your rights have been violated.

These steps will help renters avoid last-minute stress and safeguard their housing rights.

FAQs for Colorado Lease Renewals

1. How much notice must my landlord give before not renewing my lease?
   Colorado law requires landlords to provide written notice based on the length of your tenancy. For most yearly leases, it's 91 days; for shorter terms, notice periods vary as outlined above.
2. What if I don't want to renew my lease?
   You must provide proper written notice to your landlord following the same legal timeframes your landlord uses for non-renewal. Document your intent and keep a copy.
3. Can my landlord increase my rent at renewal?
   Yes, but only with proper written notice as per state deadlines. Rent increases cannot be retroactive and must comply with required notice timelines.
4. What happens if no new lease is signed?
   In most cases, your lease will automatically convert to a month-to-month agreement under the same terms unless either party gives proper notice to end the tenancy.
5. Where do I go if I have a problem with lease renewal or my landlord refuses to respond?
   Contact the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing for information or seek legal help. You can also use small claims court for unresolved disputes.

Conclusion: Protect Your Rights and Plan Ahead

• Know your notice deadlines—they protect you from surprise lease changes or unwanted renewals
• Get all communications in writing, including notices of non-renewal or rent increases
• Rely on official Colorado agencies and laws to ensure your renewal process is fair and legal

Being proactive and informed about lease renewals helps renters secure their housing and avoid unnecessary problems.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing: Landlord/Tenant Information
• Colorado Housing Helpline and Tenant Support
• Colorado Court System: Housing Forms, including Small Claims

---

1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 - Landlord and Tenant Law
2. Colorado Department of Local Affairs: Landlord-Tenant Information
3. Colorado Housing Helpline
4. Colorado Judicial Branch: Housing Forms

Categories

Renter Rights & Legal Protections Lease Agreements & Renewals Rent, Fees & Security Deposits Moving In: Inspections & Disclosures Moving Out & Ending a Lease Maintenance, Repairs & Habitability Health & Safety Standards Evictions & Lease Violations Roommates, Subletting & Shared Housing Discrimination & Fair Housing Laws Accessibility & Disability Accommodations Utilities, Services & Billing Affordable Housing & Rental Assistance Rent Control & Rent Stabilization Privacy Rights & Landlord Entry Security, Locks & Emergency Protections Dispute Resolution & Legal Aid Retaliation & Harassment Protections Mobile Home & Manufactured Housing Rights Special Housing Types & Situations