Understanding Rent Gouging Laws for Colorado Renters

If you’re renting in Colorado, sudden or extreme rent increases can be stressful and confusing. Knowing your rights about rent gouging and how Colorado law protects renters can help you plan, respond, and seek help if needed. This article explains what counts as rent gouging under Colorado law, how rent increases work, and where renters can turn for support.

What Is Rent Gouging?

Rent gouging usually means increasing rent by an excessive amount, especially during emergencies like natural disasters. Some states have special laws that set limits on rent hikes. In Colorado, there is no specific statewide law prohibiting rent gouging or setting a maximum percentage landlords can increase rent. However, local ordinances and state laws offer protections against certain unfair practices.

How Colorado Law Addresses Rent Increases

Colorado does not have statewide rent control. This means landlords can increase rent by any amount if proper notice is given, but there are required procedures and some local rules to protect renters:

• Notice Requirements: Landlords must provide written notice before raising rent.
• Frequency of Increases: Landlords cannot raise rent during a fixed-term lease unless specifically allowed in the lease agreement.
• Local Ordinances: Some cities may have their own rent regulation rules. Always check your local city or county housing department.

Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38 - Property is the main law governing landlord and tenant relationships in the state.¹

Required Notice for Rent Increases

State law requires landlords to give advance notice before raising rent for month-to-month rentals:

• 21 days’ written notice is required for rent increases on month-to-month or periodic leases.
• Longer notice may be required in some cities or for government-assisted housing.

Are There Any Protections Against Rent Gouging?

Although Colorado doesn’t have rent control statewide, the law does prevent retaliatory or discriminatory rent increases. Landlords cannot raise rent in retaliation for a renter asserting their legal rights or based on protected characteristics, such as race or family status.²

If an emergency is declared (such as after a disaster), the Governor or the legislature may enact temporary protections, but as of this year, no broad rent gouging statute is in effect.

Examples of Illegal Rent Increases

• Raising rent to punish a tenant for requesting repairs or reporting a code violation
• Increasing rent only for certain tenants based on race, religion, or other protected status
• Raising rent before the lease term ends (unless your lease specifically allows it)

Key Forms and How to Use Them

• Notice to Quit (Form JDF-97): Used by a landlord when ending a tenancy or by a renter when ending a month-to-month lease. For example, if your landlord raises rent and you choose to move, you may use this form to provide proper notice. Download the official JDF-97 form here. Always keep a copy for your records.
• Complaint - Forcible Entry & Detainer (Form JDF-99): Generally used by landlords to start eviction if disputes arise over rent increases. Renters should be aware of this form in case they receive it. See official JDF-99 form.

For more on all relevant forms, visit the Colorado Judicial Branch Forms Page.

Where to File a Complaint or Seek Legal Help

The County Court handles residential tenancy disputes in Colorado. You can contact your local county court for help, or visit the Colorado Judicial Branch's self-help center.

1. Can my landlord raise my rent for any reason in Colorado?
   Yes, as long as proper written notice is given and the increase is not retaliatory or discriminatory. There are no statewide limits on the amount, but fixed-term leases generally can’t be changed during the term unless allowed in the lease.
2. Is there rent control anywhere in Colorado?
   Most of Colorado does not have rent control, but some cities may consider or adopt local measures. Always check with your city housing office for updates.
3. What should I do if I think my rent increase is illegal?
   Gather documentation, notify your landlord in writing of your concerns, and contact local legal aid or the Colorado Housing Connects helpline for support.
4. Can a landlord increase rent during the middle of my lease?
   Only if your lease contains a clause allowing mid-term rent increases. Otherwise, rent cannot be changed until the lease ends.
5. Where can I file a formal complaint about unfair rent increases?
   You can file in your local County Court if you believe your landlord violated Colorado law or your lease terms. See resources below for guidance.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Judicial Branch (County Courts) – Handles tenancy disputes
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Rental Assistance
• Colorado Housing Connects Helpline (Call 1-844-926-6632)
• Official Colorado Revised Statutes - Property Laws

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1. See Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38: Property – for official landlord/tenant rules.
2. Anti-retaliation: CRS § 38-12-509 – Notice Requirements and Tenant Protections.

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