Colorado Statewide Rule
Colorado For-Cause Eviction Protections Apply Statewide
Key Facts
- Statute
- CRS 38-12-1303
- Bill
- HB23-1171
- Trigger
- 12-month occupancy or second term
- Tenant Damages
- Up to 3 months rent
Summary
Colorado HB23-1171 created a statewide for-cause eviction standard requiring landlords to cite specific statutory grounds, such as nonpayment or lease violations, before terminating most residential tenancies.
38-12-1303. Cause for eviction required - no-fault evictions. (1) A landlord shall not serve a notice to terminate tenancy or a demand for possession or otherwise proceed with an action for unlawful detainer pursuant to article 40 of title 13 unless there is cause for the eviction. (2) For the purposes of subsection (1) of this section, cause exists only as described in the following sections:
Full Breakdown
Codified at CRS 38-12-1303, the statute prohibits landlords from refusing to renew or terminating a residential tenancy without cause once the tenant has occupied the unit for at least 12 months or signed a second lease term. Permitted grounds include nonpayment, material lease violations, owner move-in, substantial renovation, sale to an owner-occupant, and withdrawal from the rental market. The law applies to most market-rate housing statewide, with limited exemptions for owner-occupied duplexes, employer housing, and short-term rentals. Local governments may add stronger tenant protections.
Violations & Penalties
Non-compliant termination notices are void as defenses to eviction. Tenants may recover statutory damages up to three months' rent plus attorney fees under CRS 38-12-1305 for retaliatory or pretextual evictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Colorado's for-cause law apply on day one of a lease?
What evictions are exempt from the for-cause requirement?
Sources
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