Colorado tenants should be aware of several key aspects regarding rent increase laws in 2025:
Rent Control
Colorado does not have statewide rent control regulations. This means that landlords have the ability to increase rent prices without specific limitations on the amount. However, there are some important considerations:
- Landlords cannot raise rent for discriminatory or retaliatory reasons.
- Rent increases during a lease term are not allowed unless explicitly stated in the lease agreement.
Notice Requirements
While there are no specific laws for written leases, the following notice periods apply:
- For oral agreements: Landlords must provide at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing rent.
- For mobile home spaces: A minimum of 60 days’ written notice is required, regardless of whether the lease is written or oral.
Frequency of Rent Increases
Under Colorado law, a landlord can only increase a resident’s rent once in any 12-month period of consecutive occupancy.
Disaster-Related Rent Caps
In the event of a declared disaster, landlords must avoid price gouging. Rent increases exceeding 10% or matching the previous year’s percentage increase during such periods may be considered unlawful.
Tenant Rights
Tenants have the right to:
- Challenge unreasonable or unjustified rent increases legally.
- Protection against discriminatory rent increases based on race, religion, family status, or other protected characteristics.
- Protection against retaliatory rent hikes in response to exercising legal rights, such as filing complaints about unsafe conditions.
Best Practices for Tenants
- Review lease agreements carefully: Understand the terms regarding rent increases and notice periods.
- Document communications: Keep records of all notices and communications regarding rent increases.
- Know your rights: Familiarize yourself with Colorado’s landlord-tenant laws and local ordinances.
- Negotiate: If faced with a significant increase, consider negotiating with your landlord, especially if you’ve been a good tenant.
While Colorado allows landlords significant freedom in setting rental prices, tenants should stay informed about their rights and the proper procedures landlords must follow when implementing rent increases.
Sources:
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/colorado-landlord-tenant-rights
- https://www.steadily.com/blog/mid-term-rental-laws-regulations-colorado
- https://manorhousepropertiescolorado.com/2024/12/18/colorados-spring-2025-rental-market-5-trends-you-cant-ignore/
- https://www.doorloop.com/laws/colorado-rent-control-laws
- https://doh.colorado.gov/rent-increases
