In Colorado in 2025, there is no statewide rent control law limiting the amount landlords can raise rent. Landlords generally have the freedom to increase rent by any amount, provided they follow legal notice requirements and do not violate specific prohibitions like retaliation or discrimination. Colorado has banned local governments from enacting their own rent control ordinances since 1981, so no city or county can impose rent caps either.
Key points tenants should know:
- Notice Requirements: For month-to-month leases, landlords must provide at least 30 days’ written notice before the rent increase takes effect. For rent increases exceeding 10%, a 60-day written notice is typically required. Fixed-term leases generally cannot have rent increased mid-lease unless the lease explicitly allows it; rent can be raised usually only at lease renewal.
- Frequency: Rent can usually only be raised once every 12 months. Tenants should check their lease agreements for specific terms.
- Restrictions: Rent increases cannot be used as retaliation against tenants (e.g., for reporting code violations) or based on discrimination. Landlords must also be in compliance with housing regulations; if there are unresolved penalties or violations against the landlord, rent increases may be restricted.
- Market-Based: Though no caps exist, increases are generally expected to be reasonable and consistent with market conditions. However, legally, landlords can raise rents significantly if they follow notice rules.
- Special Housing: Subsidized housing (like Section 8 or properties using Low-Income Housing Tax Credits) have additional limitations on rent increases, requiring approval from appropriate administrators.
- Legal Process: The rent increase notice must be in writing and include the amount of the increase, effective date, and any changes in lease terms beyond rent adjustment.
Overall, Colorado renters face a landlord-friendly environment regarding rent increases, with protections mainly focused on proper notice and preventing retaliation. Tenants should carefully review lease agreements and local ordinances (though local rent control is banned) and seek legal advice if they believe rent hikes are unlawful or improperly noticed.
This reflects Colorado rent increase laws and tenant protections as of 2025.
Sources
[1] https://www.steadily.com/blog/how-much-can-a-landlord-raise-rent-in-colorado
[2] https://www.hemlane.com/resources/colorado-rent-control-laws/
[3] https://www.goodcover.com/blog/colorado-rent-increase-laws/
[4] https://doh.colorado.gov/rent-increases
[5] https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1092
