Colorado Rental Lease Agreement Templates

Types (6)

Commercial (PDF)

For leasing property to a business that will operate a restaurant, office, warehouse, or other commercial venture on the premises.

Lease-to-Own (PDF)

A residential lease that also gives the tenant the option to purchase the property near the end of the lease term.

Month-to-Month

A flexible lease with no set end date, renewing month-to-month until the landlord or tenant decides to end it with proper written notice.

Roommate (PDF)

Allows co-tenants to set expectations for cleaning, guests, shared expenses, and other day-to-day matters in a shared living space.

Standard (Residential)

The standard rental contract in Colorado, locking both parties into a set term (usually 1 year) with defined rent, maintenance duties, and other conditions.

Sublease (PDF)

Lets a tenant re-rent their leased unit to a subtenant for all or part of the remaining lease, generally with the landlord’s consent.

What is a Colorado Lease Agreement?

A Colorado lease agreement puts each party’s responsibilities on paper before a tenant takes possession of a rental property. It covers the rent, permitted uses, maintenance duties, and conditions for ending the tenancy.

Colorado imposes an implied warranty of habitability on all residential rentals, requiring landlords to keep units in safe and livable condition regardless of what the lease states. Recent legislation has also expanded required disclosures, including notification of the property’s flood risk zone.

State Laws & Guides

Laws: Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 12 – Tenants and Landlords

Guides:

• General Colorado Landlord-Tenant Rights (PDF)
• Denver Residential Landlord-Tenant Guide (PDF)
• Fort Collins Landlord-Tenant Handbook (PDF)
• Colorado Springs Landlord-Tenant Guide (PDF)

When is Rent Due?

Rent is due on the date specified in the lease agreement.[1] Colorado provides a 7-day grace period; landlords may not charge late fees or penalties until the 8th day after the due date.[2] Late fees are limited to $50 or 5% of the past-due amount, whichever is greater, and must be stated in the lease.[2]

Landlord’s Access

Emergency: There is no specific state statute on emergency access. Landlords are generally permitted to enter without notice in the case of an emergency.

Non-Emergency: Colorado does not have a general statute requiring advance notice for landlord entry. For entry related to habitability repairs, landlords must provide at least 24 hours’ written notice before entering the unit.[3] In all other cases, entry should take place at reasonable times and with reasonable notice.

Landlord’s Duties

Landlords must maintain the rental property in a habitable condition, including:[3]

• Appliances: Maintain all appliances in working order and compliant with state code.
• Weatherproofing: Protect the rental from the elements with functioning doors, windows, roof, and walls.
• Plumbing & Gas: Keep all plumbing and gas systems in operable condition per applicable code.
• Water: Provide running water and reasonable hot water at all times, with proper sewage disposal.
• Heating & Electrical: Maintain heating and electrical systems in safe, working condition.
• Common Areas: Keep all common areas clean, free of garbage, and free of pests. Conduct extermination when needed.
• Trash: Provide tenants with outside garbage containers.
• Locks: Maintain working locks on all exterior doors and operable windows.
• Building Codes: Comply with all relevant building, housing, and health codes.

Tenant’s Duties

Tenants are required to comply with the following:[4]

• Neighbors: Do not disturb other tenants’ right to peace and quiet.
• Cleanliness: Keep the unit free of clutter and in a sanitary condition.
• Trash: Dispose of waste as required by the lease and applicable law.
• Building Codes: Follow all building codes related to health and safety.
• Appliances: Use all amenities, facilities, and appliances in a safe manner.
• Reporting: Notify the landlord of any conditions that make the unit uninhabitable or unsafe.

Required Disclosures

Copy of Lease: Landlords must provide the tenant with a copy of the signed lease within 7 days of execution.[5]

Landlord’s Name and Address: The landlord must include their name and address in the lease agreement.[5]

Radon Disclosure: Landlords must disclose any knowledge of radon concentrations at the property, provide a warning statement, and include the state radon brochure.[6]

Bedbug Disclosure: Landlords may not offer a unit for rent that has a known bedbug infestation. Upon request, the landlord must disclose any bedbug presence within the last 8 months.[7]

Warranty of Habitability: Residential leases must contain a specific statement about the tenant’s right to safe and healthy housing, including a mailing address and email or online portal for reporting uninhabitable conditions.[3]

Lead-Based Paint Disclosure: Required under federal law if the dwelling was built before 1978.[8]

Security Deposits

Maximum Amount: 2 months’ rent.[9] An additional refundable pet deposit may not exceed $300.[11]

Returning to Tenant: Within 1 month of the tenancy ending, unless the lease specifies a longer period (up to 60 days maximum).[10] If a tenant breaks the lease due to a hazardous gas appliance condition, the deposit must be returned within 72 hours.[12]

Deposit Interest: Not required in Colorado.

Uses of the Deposit: Landlords may retain portions of the deposit for unpaid rent, abandonment of the premises, or unpaid utility charges, repair work, and cleaning.[10]