Colorado For-Cause Eviction Protections Apply Statewide

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.

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.