Episode 197: Location-Specific Tenancy Guidance for Colorado

Summary

Today’s location-specific episode features Colorado.  We explore the overview of the housing guiding document called Colorado Landlord Tenant Laws.  Each of my location-specific podcasts is set up the same way answering the same four questions: 

1) What are the basics of the Colorado Landlord Tenant Laws

2) What are the nuances of this location – what is different that stands out?

3) Some guidance about abandoned items left behind by a tenant in a rental in Colorado

4) Where to get help in your local area in Colorado. 

Then I’ll go through what I call my “Bingo Card” of standard items I see most often in tenancy laws in different locations.  This episode is NOT all inclusive – you must research further in your specific area including your County, Regional District, Parish, City or any other Governing Body that involves your rental location, but today’s episode will get you started!

This episode includes resources for Colorado including:

• C.R.S. Title 38, Tenants and Landlords

• Attachment 10-Landord and Tenant Rights.pdf

• Colorado Law Summary: Renters' Rights

• Leases and Renting Basics | Division of Real Estate

• C.R.S. 38-20-116 – Abandoned property

• A Comprehensive Guide to Storing Abandoned Tenant Property in Colorado Rentals

• Legal and Rent Assistance Resources for Tenants | Division of Housing 

• The Colorado Bar > Home

• Legal Help for Low-Income Coloradans | Colorado Legal Services

Listen to the full episode :

---

This Week’s Blog Post:

I’m Doctor Jen, and in this episode of My Life As A Landlord, I spent time walking through location-specific tenancy guidance for Colorado. This is part of my ongoing series where each location-specific episode is set up in the exact same way, answering the same four questions every time. This episode is designed to get you started, give you a running start, and help you understand how Colorado approaches landlord-tenant law, while reminding you that you must do your own research and keep current because the law can change.

The Basics of Colorado Tenancy Law

I started with the basics of Colorado public law, focusing on landlord and tenant law under Title 38. We looked at how the law is written in very legal and technical language, including key definitions like late fees, normal wear and tear, and security deposits. I talked through how security deposits work in Colorado, including the maximum amount, the timing for returning a deposit, and the requirement for a written statement when any portion is retained. I also explained that normal wear and tear cannot be deducted and that deposits may be kept for things like non-payment of rent, abandonment of premises, or unpaid utilities.

Nuances That Matter in Colorado

From there, I moved into some of the nuances that come up often in Colorado, many of which ended up on my bingo card. I covered late fees, including the seven-day grace period and the maximum late fee amount of either $50 or 5% of the past due rent, whichever is greater. I talked about rental application fees and how they must reflect actual costs. I also reviewed rent increases, including limits on frequency, notice requirements, and how increases apply whether there is a written agreement or not. These details are important because they affect how landlords operate day to day.

Abandoned Items and Personal Property

Another major section of the episode focused on abandoned items and personal property left behind by a tenant. I explained how Colorado defines abandoned property, the timelines involved, and the requirement to make reasonable efforts to contact the tenant. I went through the notice requirements, including certified or registered mail, waiting periods, and what landlords may do if property is not reclaimed. I also pointed out that abandoned motor vehicles are treated differently and usually require guidance from local law enforcement or other authorities.

Where to Get Help in Colorado

Finally, I shared resources for getting help in Colorado, including state agencies, the Division of Real Estate, legal aid organizations, and the Colorado Bar Association. I emphasized that these resources can help landlords better understand their obligations and options. I wrapped up by revisiting my bingo card, highlighting how Colorado covers many standard tenancy issues, and reminding listeners that this episode is not all inclusive. The goal is to help you get started, familiarize yourself with local resources, and connect with other Colorado landlords so you can stay informed and confident in your rental business.