Colorado Prepaid Rent Laws: What Every Renter Needs to Know

For Colorado renters, understanding your rights around prepaid rent can help you avoid surprises when signing a lease or moving in. Prepaid rent refers to money a landlord may require upfront—beyond the first month’s rent and security deposit—to secure your tenancy. Knowing Colorado’s rules can protect both your money and your housing stability.

Prepaid Rent: What Does It Mean for Colorado Renters?

In Colorado, prepaid rent is any rent money a landlord requires before it’s actually due—usually at move-in. This is different from a security deposit, which is meant for potential damages or unpaid rent at the end of the lease.

• Prepaid rent is not required by Colorado law, but landlords may request it as part of your lease agreement
• Prepaid rent must be specified and explained in your written lease
• Security deposits have special laws, but prepaid rent is treated as advance payment for actual rent—so different rules apply

Always review your lease carefully before signing to understand if any prepaid rent is required and what it covers. For official definitions and requirements, see the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38: Property - Real and Personal (Landlord and Tenant Rules)^[1].

How Much Prepaid Rent Can a Landlord Ask For?

Unlike some states, Colorado does not set a specific limit on the amount of prepaid rent a landlord can collect. However, any prepaid rent must be:

• Reasonable and clearly stated in your lease agreement
• Used strictly as rent for the months specified in advance

Security deposits, in contrast, can be any amount agreed to in writing but must be handled under separate rules.

Prepaid Rent vs. Security Deposit in Colorado

It's important not to confuse prepaid rent with your security deposit. Here’s how each works in the state:

• Prepaid rent covers future months' rent; it’s not refundable if you break your lease early unless stated otherwise
• Security deposits are refundable, minus certain deductions, when you move out and must follow the timeline and itemization requirements under Colorado law

Required Forms for Colorado Renters

• Receipt of Payment: While not a government form, always request a signed receipt or detailed breakdown from your landlord anytime you provide prepaid rent or a deposit. This will help you track payments and make disputes easier if needed.

There are no official state forms for authorizing or tracking prepaid rent. However, if you believe your landlord has mishandled your payments or failed to follow Colorado law, you may consider submitting a Complaint Form to the Colorado Office of the Attorney General – Consumer Protection Section (file a complaint here). For housing disputes, you can also explore filing a claim in Colorado County Court – Small Claims.

Who Oversees Rental Disputes in Colorado?

Colorado does not have a dedicated landlord-tenant tribunal, but issues regarding prepaid rent and deposits are handled in:

• Colorado State Judicial Branch (primarily County Courts for small claims and landlord/tenant matters)
• For discrimination complaints, renters can contact the Colorado Civil Rights Division

The principal law regulating tenant and landlord rights, including prepaid rent and deposits, is the Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 – Landlord and Tenant^[1].

What Should a Colorado Renter Do If There Is a Problem?

• Review your lease agreement to check all prepaid rent or deposit clauses
• Contact your landlord in writing to resolve confusion or request a refund (save copies)
• Consult the Colorado State Judicial Branch for guidance on small claims processes if you need to recover money
• Seek assistance from state tenant advocacy or legal aid for complex disputes

FAQ: Prepaid Rent Regulations in Colorado

1. Can a landlord in Colorado ask for both a security deposit and prepaid rent?
   Yes, a landlord may require both—provided the amounts, purposes, and handling are clearly described in your lease agreement and follow state law for deposits.
2. Is prepaid rent refundable if I move out early?
   Usually, prepaid rent covers specific future months and is not refundable if you break your lease early, unless your lease says otherwise. Security deposits, however, must be returned (minus deductions) within a legal timeline.
3. How do I request my prepaid rent or deposit back?
   Send a written request to your landlord with supporting documentation. If unresolved, you can file a claim in County Court or lodge a complaint with the Colorado Attorney General.
4. Is there a limit to how much prepaid rent a landlord can charge?
   Colorado law does not set a fixed cap, but all terms must be included in your written agreement and should not be excessive or exploitative.
5. Who do I contact for rental disputes in Colorado?
   The Colorado State Judicial Branch handles tenancy cases. You may also reach out to the Colorado Civil Rights Division for discrimination complaints or state legal aid services for help.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado State Judicial Branch: Landlord-Tenant and Small Claims Information
• Office of the Colorado Attorney General: File a Consumer Complaint
• Colorado Civil Rights Division: Housing and Discrimination Help
• Colorado Housing Search: Statewide Housing Resources
• Colorado Legal Services: Free Legal Help for Renters

---

1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 – Landlord and Tenant Law

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