Colorado Laws 2025: Everything You Need to Know

Key Takeaways

• Colorado’s new Just Cause Eviction law requires landlords to provide a legally defined reason for non-renewals or evictions, protecting long-term tenants from arbitrary displacement.
• Tenants with disabilities are no longer required to restore rental units to their original condition after making accessibility modifications, shifting more responsibility onto landlords for compliance with Fair Housing laws.
• Strengthened habitability laws now mandate timely repairs, require landlords to provide temporary housing for uninhabitable units, and expand the list of essential services landlords must maintain.

As we step into 2025, Colorado has implemented several legislative changes affecting the landlord-tenant relationship and impact its housing and rental market. From tenant protections to homeowners’ association regulations, these changes aim to enhance fairness and stability for renters, landlords, and homeowners alike. 

Understanding these laws is crucial for landlords to ensure compliance and maintain effective property management. We at TJC Real Estate & Management have put together this breakdown of the key legislative updates you need to know.

Key Colorado Landlord-Tenant Laws for 2025

Just Cause Eviction Protections (House Bill 24-1098)

This law dictates how landlords handle non-renewals of lease and evictions. Under the new regulations, landlords cannot remove a tenant or choose not to renew a lease without a legally defined reason. Acceptable reasons for eviction or non-renewal include:

• Demolition or Conversion of the Property – If a landlord plans to tear down or repurpose the rental unit for a non-residential use.
• Substantial Repairs or Renovations – If the property requires major renovations that would make it uninhabitable.
• Landlord or Family Member Occupancy – If the property owner or a family member intends to move into the unit.
• Withdrawal from the Rental Market for Sale – If the landlord decides to remove the property from the rental market with the intention of selling.
• Tenant Refuses to Sign a New Lease with Reasonable Terms – If a landlord offers a new lease with reasonable terms and the tenant refuses to sign.
• Tenant has a History of Nonpayment of Rent – If the tenant has repeatedly failed to pay rent on time.

The only major exception to this law is if the tenant has lived in the rental unit for less than 365 days. In such cases, landlords retain the right to end the lease without just cause. This house bill is intended to protect long-term tenants from arbitrary displacement. As such, landlords should carefully document lease violations or provide proper notice if they plan to reclaim the property.

Modifications for Tenants with Disabilities (House Bill 24-1318)

Under previous laws, tenants with disabilities were responsible for restoring a rental unit to its original condition after making modifications for accessibility. House Bill 24-1318 removes that requirement. Now, tenants who modify their rental unit to accommodate a disability do not have to pay to reverse those changes when they move out.

However, the cost of the modifications themselves remains the tenant’s responsibility, unless a different agreement is made with the landlord. Landlords should be aware of these new protections and ensure they comply with Fair Housing laws.

Updated Warranty of Habitability Requirements (Senate Bill 24-094)

The warranty of habitability law, which ensures rental properties are safe and livable, has been strengthened to include additional protections for tenants. 

This bill introduces:

• An Expanded List of Habitability Issues – The law now explicitly includes lack of air conditioning and no access to hot water as conditions that must be remedied by landlords.
• Stricter Repair Deadlines – Landlords must complete necessary repairs within the timeframes specified in the law or fair legal penalties.
• Requirement to Provide Temporary Housing – If a rental unit becomes uninhabitable due issues like major plumbing failure, heating or cooling system breakdown, or other severe damages, landlords must provide comparable temporary housing for tenants until repairs are completed.
• New Legal Standards for Breach Claims – Tenants now have clearer legal pathways to file habitability complaints and take action if landlords fail to comply.

Restrictions on Occupancy Limits (House Bill 24-1007)

House Bill 24-1007 prohibits local governments from imposing restrictions on the number of people who can live in a single dwelling based on familial relationships. In other words, municipalities cannot create laws that limit household occupancy to only family members.

This change increases flexibility for landlords by allowing them to rent properties to larger groups, such as roommates, multi-generational families, or unrelated individuals who choose to live together. However, landlords should still consider property size, safety regulations, and lease agreements when determining reasonable occupancy limits.

Tenant Protections in Eviction Proceedings (House Bill 24-1099)

Previously, tenants facing eviction were required to pay filing fees to submit legal responses or motions in court. House Bill 24-1099 eliminates these fees, making it easier for tenants to contest eviction cases. Specifically, the bill:

• Removes Financial Barriers for Tenants – Tenants no longer have to pay fees when filing answers or motions in eviction cases.
• Prohibits County Courts from Charging Defendants’ Fees in Eviction Cases – Courts can no longer impose administrative costs for tenants defending themselves.

This law could lead to an increase in contested eviction cases. Keeping thorough records of lease agreements, payment history, and communication with tenants will be essential to successfully navigating eviction proceedings.

HOA Delinquency Payment Enforcement (House Bill 24-1233)

This bill changes how homeowners’ associations (HOAs) can collect delinquent payments from property owners. If a rental property is part of an HOA, landlords should be aware of the updated procedural requirements, which include:

• Stronger Communication Requirements – HOAs must provide more notice and clearer explanations of delinquent charges before taking enforcement action.
• Fairer Enforcement Procedures – House Bill 24-1233 ensures that delinquent owners are given a reasonable opportunity to resolve outstanding debts before facing legal consequences.

Bottom Line

Colorado’s 2025 legislative updates impact how landlords manage and rent out their properties. The new laws reinforce tenant protections, clarify eviction and lease renewal procedures, and introduce stricter habitability requirements. Navigating these legal changes can be complex, so landlords should seek help from an attorney. 

If you’d like help managing your rental properties, turn to TJC. We’re here to protect your investment and make property management easier for you. Contact us today for more information!

Disclaimer: This blog should not be used as a substitute for legal advice from a licensed attorney in your state. Laws change, and this post might not be updated at the time of your reading. Please contact us with any questions you have in regards to this content or any other aspect of your property management needs.