Rental Property Rules in Denver, CO (2026)
9 verified rental property rules for Denver, Colorado, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Rent Control
Denver does not have rent control or rent stabilization ordinances. Colorado state law (C.R.S. §38-12-301) preempts local rent control, prohibiting municipalities from enacting ordinances that control rents on private residential property. Landlords may set and raise rents without government-imposed limits.
Denver Rent Control & Stabilization
Few RestrictionsJust Cause Eviction
Denver does not have a just-cause eviction ordinance. Colorado landlords may terminate month-to-month tenancies without stating a reason by providing proper notice under the Colorado Residential Tenancy Act. However, retaliatory and discriminatory evictions are prohibited under state and federal law.
Denver Just Cause Eviction Protections
Few RestrictionsRental Registration
Denver requires all rental properties to be licensed under the Denver Rental Licensing Ordinance (DRMC Chapter 27, Article XIII). All residential rental properties must obtain a rental license from Denver Community Planning and Development. The program was phased in starting in 2023 and applies to all rental dwelling units citywide.
Denver Rental Property Registration
Heavy RestrictionsRelocation Assistance
Colorado HB21-1117 lets local governments require relocation assistance for tenants displaced by no-fault reasons. Denver has no city-specific relocation ordinance, so only state mobile-home park and demolition rules apply directly to renters.
Tenant Relocation Assistance (Statewide)
Some RestrictionsSecurity Deposit Rules
Colorado C.R.S. §38-12-103 caps security-deposit return time at one month (or up to 60 days if the lease specifies) and requires an itemized statement of any deductions. Willful retention triggers treble damages plus attorney fees.
Security Deposit Return Rules
Some RestrictionsNo-Fault Evictions
Colorado HB23-1098 (Cause to Evict) bars most no-fault, non-renewal terminations of residential leases. Denver landlords must cite an enumerated lawful reason, such as owner move-in, substantial rehab, or sale, and meet statutory notice and relocation rules.
No-Fault Eviction Limits (HB23-1098)
Heavy RestrictionsTenant Anti-Harassment
Denver has no dedicated tenant-anti-harassment ordinance, but Colorado's warranty of habitability (C.R.S. §38-12-503) and retaliation ban (§38-12-509) protect tenants from utility shutoffs, lockouts, and intimidation aimed at forcing them to leave their unit.
Tenant Anti-Harassment Protections
Some RestrictionsSource-of-Income Discrimination
Denver's Anti-Discrimination Ordinance (DRMC §28) and Colorado HB20-1332 prohibit landlords from refusing tenants because they pay rent with Section 8 vouchers, Social Security, child support, or other lawful income sources.
Source-of-Income Discrimination Ban
Heavy RestrictionsSection 8 Voucher Acceptance
Denver Housing Authority (DHA) administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers under HUD rules. Denver landlords cannot refuse vouchers under DRMC §28 and Colorado HB20-1332's source-of-income protections.
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Denver County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Denver city rules.
Rental Property Rules in Denver County →