Colorado Lease Agreement Templates (6)
A Colorado lease agreement is a legally binding document between a landlord and their tenant. It outlines the terms and conditions for renting property and should include the personal information of both parties, a description of the premises being leased, and rent specifics (such as the security deposit, amount due, and payment methods). Other essential details consist of disclosures about any known safety or health risks and whether pets are allowed or prohibited.
Rental Lease Laws Overview
- Rent Control: No.
- Limit on Late Fees: Yes.
- Late Fees in Rental Agreement: Yes.
- Grace Period: Yes.
- License Required for Landlord: Yes, only in Denver.
Landlords typically use a rental application to screen prospective tenants before signing a lease.
By Type (6)
Standard Lease Agreement
Enables tenants to occupy residential property in exchange for monthly rent.
Month-to-Month Rental Agreement
Automatically renews each month, providing flexibility for both parties.
Commercial Lease Agreement
Establishes the terms and conditions between a landlord and a business tenant.
Room Rental Agreement
Enables a principal tenant to rent a specific room within a residential property to a subtenant.
Sublease Agreement
Allows a tenant (sublessor) to rent part or all of their leased property to a third party (subtenant).
Provides tenants with an exclusive option to purchase the property at a predetermined price.
Colorado imposes distinct requirements when entering a lease agreement: [1]
- Radon disclosure. Landlords must inform their tenants of whether the property has been exposed to dangerous levels of radon. [2]
- Lead-paint disclosure. For rental properties built before 1978. [3]
- Carbon monoxide alarm compliance. For housing units that include fuel-fired appliances. [4]
Security Deposit
- Maximum Amount: There is no limit as to the maximum amount a Colorado landlord may request from a potential tenant (no statute).
- Receipts: Not specified.
- Interest Payments: Not required.
- Bank Account: Not required. As an exception, security deposits from mobile home park residents must be held in a separate trust account. [5]
- Returning Requirements: Landlords are required to return a tenant’s security deposit within one month of termination of the lease unless previously agreed upon and no more than 60 days, even if agreed upon. [6]
- Withholding Rules: Landlords can retain a portion of the security deposit to cover damages beyond normal wear and tear, unpaid rent, or outstanding utility bills.
Rent Payments
- Laws: Rent is due at the beginning of the month, usually on the first.
- Rent Control: Colorado has no rent control. Landlords can freely increase rent without notice.
- Late Fees and Grace Period: Landlords may charge a late fee of $50 or 5% of unpaid rent, whichever is greater, as outlined in the lease. [7] A seven-day grace period applies before late fees can be assessed.
- Withholding Rent: Landlords must maintain habitable rental properties. If landlords fail to address uninhabitable conditions after tenant notification, tenants may deduct repair costs from rent. [8]
Landlord Right of Entry
- Notice Requirements: Landlords in Colorado do not have to inform tenants before entering the property, but a 24 to 48-hour notice is recommended. However, if the lease does not specify when the landlord can enter, the tenant has exclusive control and is not obligated to grant access, except in emergencies.
- Keys, Locks, and Security: Not specified.
Property Repairs
- Landlord Responsibilities: Landlords must address repair issues within a reasonable timeframe. Tenants can provide written notice of needed repairs, and landlords have 24 hours to respond.
- Tenant Repairs: Tenants have the right to habitable living conditions, including timely repairs and return of security deposits. To maintain a positive landlord-tenant relationship, tenants must keep the property clean and safe and perform minor repairs.
- Abandonment: A rental property is deemed abandoned if the tenant returns keys, provides notice, removes belongings, or is absent without paying rent. [9] Landlords may reclaim abandoned property without legal proceedings.
Terminating a Lease
- Month-to-Month Tenancy: Monthly tenancies in Colorado can be terminated by either party with a 21-day notice.
- Unclaimed Property: Personal belongings left in a rental unit for 30 days without contact from the tenant are considered abandoned. Landlords must provide tenants with a 15-day written notice before disposing of abandoned belongings. [10]
Sample
You can download a Colorado lease agreement template below in PDF or Word format.
