Colorado Springs's Rental Property Rules: The Rules That Matter

Every city handles rental property rules a little differently. In Colorado Springs, Colorado, there are 2 distinct rules that residents and property owners should be aware of. Some are stricter than what neighboring cities enforce, and others are more relaxed. Here is what you need to know.

Repairs & Habitability

Colorado Springs requires every rental dwelling to stay structurally habitable under City Code § 6.12.305: foundations, walls, roofs, windows and doors must be weathertight, watertight, rodent-resistant and in good repair, stairs and decks must safely bear normal loads with handrails above 30 inches, and plumbing and deteriorating paint must be addressed.

Key details: Governing section: City Code § 6.12.305 (Maintenance). Applies to: all buildings used for human habitation. Handrail trigger: 30-inch surfaces or 4+ risers. Lead paint: must report peeling/flaking to health dept. Enforcement officer: the Administrator (§6.12.104).

Maintaining a rental dwelling below these standards is unlawful under § 6.12.107 and enforced by the Administrator under § 6.12.104; absent a specific penalty in Article 12, a conviction falls under the Code's general penalty, § 1.1.201: up to a $2,500 fine, 189 days in jail, probation, or a combination, with each day of a continuing violation potentially charged separately.

Just Cause Eviction

Colorado Springs does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Landlords may terminate tenancies for any lawful reason with proper notice as provided under Colorado landlord-tenant law. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide written notice as required by state statute (typically 21 days for tenancies of one month to six months, 28 days for tenancies of six months to one year, and 91 days for tenancies of one year or longer under recent Colorado legislation). Colorado does prohibit retaliatory evictions under C.R.S. 38-12-509.

Key details: Just-Cause Required: No, not required in Colorado Springs. Notice (1-6 months): 21 days written notice. Notice (6-12 months): 28 days written notice. Notice (1+ year): 91 days written notice. Retaliation: Retaliatory eviction prohibited (C.R.S. 38-12-509).

The rules around just cause eviction in Colorado Springs lean permissive, but that does not mean anything goes.

The Bottom Line

Colorado Springs's rental property rules rules are a mixed bag. Some areas are strict, others are relaxed, and the details matter. The best approach is to check the specific rule that applies to your situation rather than assuming Colorado Springs is broadly strict or permissive.

All of the above reflects Colorado Springs's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.