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Just like every other state in the US, Colorado has its own rent control laws that govern the various aspects of a lease agreement.
One thing, in particular, that is important when it comes to maintaining the landlord/tenant relationship and is also a lawful requirement, is the need for a written notice any time the landlord decides to increase the amount of rent the tenant pays.
Regarding rent payment increases, there are a few things you need to know that we will discuss in this article.
What Is a Rent Increase Notice?
A rent increase notice is a written agreement that is drafted by the landlord and signed by the tenant to acknowledge that both parties are aware that the landlord is increasing rent payment.
In Colorado rent increments are not controlled by the state, meaning the landlord can raise rent to any amount that they wish if they feel it is necessary according to the rental market.
Does Colorado Require Written Notice for Rent Increases?
While the landlord is free to raise the rent to any amount and at any time that they wish, they are required to provide proper notice to the tenants. This means If there is no written lease agreement between the landlord and tenant, 60 days notice is the minimum requirement for a notice period
However, there are no statutes regarding situations where there is a written lease agreement although increasing rent during the lease term is not allowed. In cases where the residential tenants are living in a mobile home space, 60 days' notice is the legal requirement whether or not a written lease agreement is in place.
What To Do When Tenants Refuse the Increase?
While tenants cannot control rent increases, there are times when disputes arise and the tenants refuse to pay rent under the revised prices. In such cases, the landlord has a variety of options ranging from termination of the lease agreement or eviction of the tenant.
In some cases, the landlord can give the tenant seven days to pay rent, after which they can charge late fees. Landlords are under no obligation to provide reasons for increasing the rent so tenants will have to pay or find alternative accommodation.
Rent Control Laws
Local governments in each state have their own rent control laws that residents need to be aware of. The rent control laws for Colorado are available for free at DoorLoop. Head over to the site and download what you need.
What the Written Lease Agreement Says
When raising rent results in a landlord/tenant standoff that they fail to resolve even after they terminate the lease agreement, eviction will be the only remaining option. It is important for Colorado landlords to fully understand what the law says regarding the eviction process so that they stay on the right side of the law.
Where to Download Increase Notices
With such a long list of landlord responsibilities, it is a good thing that there is one place where landlords can get all the forms, templates, and resources they require. Visit DoorLoop today and download all your Colorado documents for free.
Colorado Landlords Can Customize Their Own Forms
One of the best ways to make sure the written notice covers all the requirements needed by Colorado landlords is to build and customize your own template. The process is very easy if you simply follow this link.
Before You Raise Rent, Visit DoorLoop for All the Resources
When a landlord violates the rental agreement by not giving the tenant proper notice before they increase rent, there is a chance that the tenant files a complaint or refuses to pay rent. To avoid this, go to doorloop.com right now and take a look at all the available resources.
Webinar
DoorLoop hosted this webinar with attorney Michael Larranaga from Larranaga Law to help answer many of your legal questions. Michael specializes in real estate law and evictions in Colorado and we covered:
- Landlord-tenant issues and laws
- Grounds to evict a tenant
- Eviction process
- Preventing delays or fines
- Hiring an Attorney vs DIY
- Post COVID legal changes
Feel free to learn more and watch this webinar for free.
FAQs
Can a Landlord Raise Rent Anytime in Colorado?
Yes, there is no control over when a landlord can raise rent as long as they give proper notice and it is not in the middle of a lease term.
Does the Federal Fair Housing Act Decide How Much Notice Landlords Must Give Residential and Commercial Tenants?
No, but it does protect tenants from the unfair raising of rent based on discriminatory reasons, such as race, gender, age, or religion.
Can Colorado Tenants Sue Landlords Who Increase Rent?
The only time tenants can sue landlords is if they can prove either discrimination or absence of proper notice, otherwise, the landlords can increase the rent at any time they want.
Should I consult with an attorney before raising rent?
It's always a good and safe idea to consult with an attorney before raising rent, especially if the research you've done shows that you could be in violation for increasing rent too much.
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