What is the security deposit limit in Colorado?

Colorado has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords may charge any amount. The market norm is 1–2 months rent for residential, more for commercial.

How much notice does a Colorado landlord need to enter?

Colorado requires 24 hours advance notice before entry, except in emergencies.

Does Colorado have rent control?

No. Colorado law preempts local rent control ordinances. No city or county in Colorado can impose rent control.

How long must I give notice to terminate a month-to-month lease in Colorado?

Colorado requires 91 days notice for tenancies lasting 6 months to 1 year — one of the longest in the US. For tenancies under 6 months, 21 days notice is required. This is a frequent surprise for Colorado tenants.

How long does a Colorado landlord have to return a security deposit?

30 days as a default, or up to 60 days if the lease specifies it. Landlords must provide an itemized written statement of deductions.

Colorado Tenant Rights & Lease Laws

Security Deposit Rules

Maximum Deposit Varies

Return Deadline 30 days (standard); 60 days (if stated in lease) days after move-out

Interest Required No

Notice Requirements

Landlord Entry Notice 24 hours

Lease Termination Notice (Month-to-Month) 30 days

Rent Increase Notice 30 days

The 91-day notice requirement for tenancies of 6 months to 1 year. Many tenants don't know this until they're stuck. CAM charges in suburban retail that lack annual caps or audit rights. Denver commercial landlords increasingly require personal guaranties that extend 12–24 months beyond the lease term.

Rent Control

Rent Control: No statewide rent control

Habitability & Repair Requirements

Colorado landlords are required to maintain rental units in habitable condition. Colorado is moderately tenant-protective with 24-hour entry notice and a strong implied warranty of habitability. The surprise is the long notice-to-terminate requirement and the complete absence of rent control, even in Denver where annual increases of 10–15% have been common.

Eviction Process

Denver's residential market has softened from its 2021–2022 peak but remains competitive. Boulder and Fort Collins have tight inventory driven by university demand. Commercial markets in Denver's LoDo and RiNo districts have seen significant growth, with urban retail recovering post-pandemic. CAM charges in suburban Denver retail are routinely uncapped.

Tenant Protections & Notable Laws

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the security deposit limit in Colorado?: Colorado has no statutory cap on security deposits. Landlords may charge any amount. The market norm is 1–2 months rent for residential, more for commercial.
How much notice does a Colorado landlord need to enter?: Colorado requires 24 hours advance notice before entry, except in emergencies.
Does Colorado have rent control?: No. Colorado law preempts local rent control ordinances. No city or county in Colorado can impose rent control.
How long must I give notice to terminate a month-to-month lease in Colorado?: Colorado requires 91 days notice for tenancies lasting 6 months to 1 year — one of the longest in the US. For tenancies under 6 months, 21 days notice is required. This is a frequent surprise for Colorado tenants.
How long does a Colorado landlord have to return a security deposit?: 30 days as a default, or up to 60 days if the lease specifies it. Landlords must provide an itemized written statement of deductions.

Cities in Colorado

Find city-specific lease guides for major markets in Colorado: