Can a Colorado city cap how much my landlord raises rent each year?

No. CRS 38-12-301 preempts municipal rent caps on private market-rate housing. Local just-cause and habitability rules are allowed, but rent amount or increase limits are not.

Did Colorado repeal its ban on rent control in 2024?

No. The general preemption in CRS 38-12-301 remains in force. HB24-1098 created a narrow carveout for certain income-restricted or publicly subsidized affordable units only.

Colorado Rent Control Law: Statewide Rental Property Rules Rules (2026)

Key Facts

Statute: CRS 38-12-301
Status: Preempts local control
Carveout: HB24-1098 affordable units
Scope: Private residential rentals

Source: C.R.S. 38-12-301 - Control of rents by counties and municipalities prohibited

Full Breakdown

CRS 38-12-301 declares that the imposition of rent control on private residential housing units is a matter of statewide concern and prohibits local governments from enacting any ordinance or resolution that controls rent. The 2024 legislature created a narrow exception under HB24-1098 allowing rent stabilization on certain affordable or publicly funded units, but the general preemption remains intact for market-rate housing. Local just-cause eviction and tenant protection laws are permitted, but caps on rent amounts or annual increases on private rentals are not.

Violations & Penalties

Local rent control ordinances on market-rate housing are void as preempted. Tenants or landlords may seek declaratory relief in district court, and the Attorney General can challenge non-compliant ordinances.

Colorado Statewide Preemption of Local Rent Control

Key Facts

Full Breakdown

Violations & Penalties

Frequently Asked Questions

Sources

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