General information, not legal advice. Landlord-tenant rules change, and cities and counties can add their own. Check the current statute and local ordinances, and talk to a licensed attorney before you act.
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The short version
- Counties and cities may not enact rent control on private residential property, although voluntary affordable housing agreements are allowed.
- There is no statewide percentage cap on rent increases, but rent may be raised only once in any 12 month period of continuous occupancy.
- Rent may not be increased more than once in any 12 month period.
- A landlord generally must give at least 60 days of written notice before increasing rent.
Colorado law prevents cities and counties from adopting rent control on private housing. State law does limit increases to once in any 12 month period and requires 60 days of notice.
Colorado rent control at a glance
| Rule | Colorado | Law |
|---|---|---|
| Rent control status | Counties and cities may not enact rent control on private residential property, although voluntary affordable housing agreements are allowed. | C.R.S. section 38-12-301 |
| Statewide cap on increases | There is no statewide percentage cap on rent increases, but rent may be raised only once in any 12 month period of continuous occupancy. | C.R.S. section 38-12-702 |
| Notice before a rent increase | A landlord generally must give at least 60 days of written notice before increasing rent. | Colorado Revised Statutes, title 38, article 12 (rent increase notice) |
| Notice before a rent increase | Rent may not be increased more than once in any 12 month period. | C.R.S. section 38-12-702 |
Does Colorado have rent control?
Rent control status. Counties and cities may not enact rent control on private residential property, although voluntary affordable housing agreements are allowed. (C.R.S. section 38-12-301)
Limits on increases
Statewide cap on increases. There is no statewide percentage cap on rent increases, but rent may be raised only once in any 12 month period of continuous occupancy. (C.R.S. section 38-12-702)
City and county rules
We could not confirm a statewide rule here. Check your county court or a local attorney.
Notice before an increase
Notice before a rent increase. A landlord generally must give at least 60 days of written notice before increasing rent. (Colorado Revised Statutes, title 38, article 12 (rent increase notice))
Notice before a rent increase. Rent may not be increased more than once in any 12 month period. (C.R.S. section 38-12-702)
Mistakes to avoid
- Assuming a unit is exempt without checking the exemption rules and any notice the exemption requires.
- Following state rules and missing a stricter city ordinance.
- Raising rent in the middle of a fixed term when the lease does not allow it.
- Giving less notice than the increase requires.
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General information, not legal advice.
Verify current law
We last checked these Colorado rules on . Laws change and cities can add their own, so confirm the current text before you rely on it, and talk to a Colorado attorney about your situation.
Laws named on this page
- C.R.S. section 38-12-301
- C.R.S. section 38-12-702
- Colorado Revised Statutes, title 38, article 12 (rent increase notice)
Official sources
Colorado forms for this topic
Letters and checklists for this topic
Where landlords trip up.
Does Colorado have rent control?
Counties and cities may not enact rent control on private residential property, although voluntary affordable housing agreements are allowed. Source: C.R.S. section 38-12-301.
How much can rent go up in a year in Colorado?
There is no statewide percentage cap on rent increases, but rent may be raised only once in any 12 month period of continuous occupancy. Source: C.R.S. section 38-12-702.