Landlord tools · Colorado

Colorado residential lease agreement.

Everything a Colorado lease must get right in 2026 — deposit limits, late fees, notice periods, and required disclosures — plus a free builder that applies each rule for you and outputs a signable PDF.

1 monthSecurity deposit cap
30 daysDeposit return deadline
ReasonableEntry notice required
91 daysTo end month-to-month

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Security deposits in Colorado

Colorado caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. HB25-1249 (eff. 1/1/2026): 1 month max After the tenancy ends, the deposit must be returned within 30 days. Itemized statement; lease may extend to 60 days max Returning one now? Use the free Colorado deposit return letter generator — it computes the deadline and itemizes deductions for you.

Late fees and grace periods

Colorado limits late fees: Greater of $50 or 5% of overdue rent. Rent must be at least 7 day(s) late before a fee can be charged. One fee per late payment; cannot evict for unpaid late fees; must be in lease.

Landlord entry and notices

Colorado has no fixed entry-notice statute — reasonable notice is the standard, and the lease should spell it out. No general entry-notice statute; 48 hours required for bedbug inspections; lease terms govern. Ending a month-to-month tenancy takes 91 days' written notice (Tiered: 91 days if tenancy 1yr+, 28 days 6-12mo, 21 days 1-6mo; HB24-1098 requires cause for nonrenewal of tenants of 12+ months). Rent increases require 60 days' advance notice (60 days' notice; increases limited to once per 12 months). Planning an increase? The free Colorado rent increase notice generator applies the notice period automatically.

Required disclosures in a Colorado lease

Clauses you can’t put in a Colorado lease

Utilities and pets

Utilities: Self-help utility shutoff prohibited; utility charges must be disclosed in lease. Pets: Refundable pet deposit max $300; pet rent max greater of $35/month or 1.5% of rent (HB23-1068).

Frequently asked questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Colorado?

Colorado caps security deposits at 1 month of rent. HB25-1249 (eff. 1/1/2026): 1 month max

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

30 days after the tenancy ends. Itemized statement; lease may extend to 60 days max

Are late fees limited in Colorado?

Yes — Greater of $50 or 5% of overdue rent. One fee per late payment; cannot evict for unpaid late fees; must be in lease A 7-day grace period is required before charging a fee.

How much notice before a landlord can enter the unit in Colorado?

Colorado has no fixed statutory period — reasonable notice applies. No general entry-notice statute; 48 hours required for bedbug inspections; lease terms govern

Does Colorado have rent control?

No statewide rent control. Local rent control prohibited, but for-cause eviction law limits nonrenewals

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Key statutes: C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5 · C.R.S. § 38-12-105 · C.R.S. § 38-12-701 · C.R.S. § 38-12-1301. Last reviewed 2026-07. This guide summarizes state law for convenience and is not legal advice; cities and counties may add their own rules.

Lease laws in other states