We know our communities are stronger when we can grow our roots in our communities. We are proud that renters and our allies fought for strong protections under a new law called For Cause Eviction.
The law protects renters by:
- Requiring landlords have a reason to evict
- Requiring landlords to offer a lease renewal unless they have a valid reason not to
When can a landlord evict during a lease?
A landlord can only evict a tenant during a lease for specific reasons, including:
- Nonpayment of Rent
- Lease Violations
- Damage to property
- Creating a nuisance or disturbance
- Victims of domestic abuse are exempt
When can a landlord refuse to renew a lease?
- To demolish or convert to a short term rental
- Notice must include timeline and proof of plans/description
- To make significant repairs to the unit (not related to health and safety)
- Notice must include a general description of the repairs and an expected completion date
- Residents have the right to return to their home if the repairs take under 6 months
- For landlord or their family to move in
- To sell if the property is a single family home, duplex, or triplex
- 3 or more late payments during the lease
- When a tenant does not agree to a new lease with “reasonable terms”
Landlords much provide 90 days written notice to not renew
- Except landlords that are active duty military may provide a 45 day written notice when they or their family intend to move back in.
When do nonrenewal protections apply?
- All renters that have lived in their home for at least 12 months except:
- If the landlord lives on site or next door And the property is a single family home, duplex, or triplex
- If the home is provided by an employer
- Mobile Home Park Renters are covered
- Mobile Home Park Homeowners are not as they have unique protections
What happens if a landlord violates the law?
If you believe your landlord has violated this law, you have a right to file a civil action in court and you may be entitled to damages. This law can be also used as an eviction defense in court. Below are free or low cost legal services.
Statewide Housing Attorneys
Colorado Economic Defense Law
Languages: All languages available upon request
Colorado Legal Services
Languages: All languages available upon request
Locations: Alamosa, Boulder, Craig, Colorado Springs, Craig, Denver, Dillon, Durango, Ft. Collins, Grand Junction, Greeley, La Junta, Pueblo, Salida
Colorado Poverty Law Project
Languages: All languages available upon request
Locations: Denver clinic and statewide services
Other Attorney Resources
Centro San Juan Diego Legal Nights
Phone: 303-295-9470
Languages: English, Spanish
When: First and Third Wednesday, 5pm-7pm
Location: Denver
Bridge To Justice
Phone: 303-443-1038
Languages: English, Spanish
Locations: Boulder County
The Justice Center
Phone: 719-473-6212
Languages: English, Spanish
Locations: El Paso County or Teller County
Frequently Asked Questions
When is a payment considered late?
- Rent is late if paid more than 10 days after it was due and the landlord has provided a notice.
- A landlord can choose to not renew a lease if there are 3 or more late payments during the lease period.
What are the rules for a non renewal for repairs or renovations?
- The landlord must provide 90 days written notice and notice cannot be before the end of the lease. The notice must include a general description of the repairs and renovations and an expected completion date.
- If the repairs/renovations are expected to last less than 6 months, the landlord must provide a written notice to the tenant, offering the tenant a right to return to the unit. The tenant would have 10 days to respond to the offer, and 30 days to move back in.
- Repairs cannot be in retaliation for reporting health and safety issues, including lack of running water, lack of hot water, problems with heat, infestations, and other conditions that make a home unsafe.
What are the rules for a non renewal for demolition or conversion?
- The landlord must provide 90 days written notice and notice cannot be before the end of the lease. The notice must include a general description and timeline.
- If possible, the landlord must provide proof of their plans in the form of a short term rental license, building permit, or application for a license or permit.
What are the rules for a non renewal to sell the property?
- The landlord must provide 90 days written notice and notice cannot be before the end of the lease.
- The property must be a single family home, duplex, triplex, or individual condominium.
- The landlord cannot relist the property for short or long term rent for 90 days after the tenant moves out unless they list it for sale online (ex: listed for sale on Zillow).
What are the rules for a non renewal if the landlord or their family want to move in?
- The landlord must provide 90 days written notice and notice cannot be before the end of the lease.
- 45 days notice if the landlord is active duty military.
- The landlord cannot relist the property for short or long term rent for 90 days after the tenant moves out.
Does this apply to month-to-month leases?
- Yes, landlords must provide tenants with month to month leases 90 day notices if they are not planning to renew the lease.
Disclaimer: This is general information about protections under the For Cause Eviction law - it is neither comprehensive or legal advice.
Download this in pdf format in English, Spanish, and French.
