Housing Rights for Domestic Violence Survivors

Colorado law protects tenants who are survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and unlawful sexual behavior if you need to end your lease early.

Landlords can’t evict you because you are a domestic violence survivor, or because of noise disturbances or property damage caused by your abuser. Landlords also can’t evict you for seeking help from law enforcement.

If something related to domestic violence, stalking, or unlawful sexual behavior affected your ability to pay rent, you may be entitled to a repayment plan for past-due rent, lasting up to 9 months. 

This guide explains: 

• How these protections work
• What documentation may be required
• What steps you may need to take to exercise your rights 

Who these protections apply to

Colorado housing protections apply to tenants who are survivors of:

• Domestic violence
• Domestic abuse
• Stalking
• Unlawful sexual behavior

These protections exist to help you leave unsafe housing situations or remain safely in your home without penalizing you for being a victim.

Domestic violence in Colorado can include acts or threats of violence between current or former intimate partners, including:

• Spouses
• Unmarried couples
• People who share a child

Abuse can take different forms, such as:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial control or exploitation

What protection do I have from eviction and other consequences?

A landlord generally cannot evict you solely because you are a domestic violence or abuse survivor.

For example, a landlord typically cannot evict you because:

• You called the police or asked for emergency help
• Your abuser caused noise or disturbances
• Your abuser caused damage to the property

A landlord can evict the perpetrator of domestic violence. 

Similarly, your landlord cannot fine you, penalize you, or deny you housing assistance because you are a domestic violence or abuse survivor, or as a result of a domestic violence incident.

Can I end my lease early for safety?

If you fear immediate harm to yourself or your children because of domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking, Colorado law allows you to end your lease early.

To do this, you must:

1. Notify your landlord in writing that you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or related abuse.
2. State that you want to terminate your lease.
3. Provide the date you plan to end the lease.

You should keep a copy of your written notice.

You should also give the landlord documentation that you are a survivor, such as:

• A police report written within the last 60 days
• A valid protection order
• A written statement from a qualified professional (such as a medical provider or a victim advocate)
• A written attestation and affidavit that you are a victim of domestic violence, signed and verified by you, or by a qualified representative on your behalf

Do I still owe rent after leaving?

If you end your lease early because of domestic violence protections, and the landlord provides proof that they lost money (which is called economic harm) because you ended your lease early within 30 days of the move-out, you must pay 1 month of rent.

This payment must typically be made within 90 days after moving out.

A landlord may hold your security deposit until this amount is paid.

Is my personal information kept confidential?

The information you give your landlord about domestic violence should be treated as confidential.

Unless required by law, your landlord can't share the following information without your consent:

• Your name or contact information
• Your new address
• Details about the domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking
• The identity of the person who harmed you

Repayment plans for past-due rent

If domestic violence contributed to your inability to pay rent, you may qualify for a repayment plan.

A landlord who knows you are a victim of domestic violence must first offer a reasonable repayment plan before filing an eviction case for unpaid rent.

You can also request a repayment plan if the landlord files an eviction against you without first offering one.

• Repayment plans can last up to 9 months.
• The landlord must offer the plan no later than 3 business days after serving a demand for unpaid rent or receiving documentation that you are the survivor of domestic violence, domestic abuse, stalking, or unlawful sexual behavior.
• You or your lawyer must respond within 7 days after receiving the repayment plan offered by the landlord.
• The final repayment plan must be in writing and acceptable to you as the tenant.

Because these deadlines can be strict, you should speak with a victim advocate or a lawyer before requesting, negotiating, or accepting a repayment plan.

What if I live in subsidized housing?

If you live in subsidized or public housing, you likely have additional rights under a federal law called the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). 

Your landlord may be required to take steps to move you into a different subsidized housing unit.

You should consult with a lawyer to learn more about your rights.

Can I change my locks?

You are allowed to change your locks if necessary for your safety without waiting for your landlord’s approval.

If you do, you should notify your landlord or property manager as soon as possible. You must provide them with their own copies of keys or passcodes for electronic entry.

If your landlord is the perpetrator of domestic violence, stalking, or sexual assault, you may leave a copy of the access key with another authorized person who works for the property management company.

Domestic violence resources

If you are in danger, call 911 or seek other help. If you need other emergency assistance, such as emergency shelter or assistance with a civil protection order, then you may seek assistance from the organizations listed below.

Colorado Legal Services
Phone: 303-837-1313
https://www.coloradolegalservices.org/ 

Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center
Phone: 303-295-2001
https://www.rmvictimlaw.org/ 

Love Is Respect
Phone: 1-866-331-9474
https://www.loveisrespect.org/ 

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Phone: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
https://www.thehotline.org/   

United Way 211 
Phone: 211
https://www.211.org/ 

Violence Free Colorado
https://violencefreecolorado.org/find-help/survivor-resources/ 

The Safety Net Project
https://www.techsafety.org/ 

National Network to End Domestic Violence
https://nnedv.org/ 

Need more help?

If you are low-income, a senior, or a veteran, you may qualify for free legal help from Colorado Legal Services (CLS). To apply or ask if you might qualify, go to the CLS website and find the office that serves your area. If you call or visit, CLS can help you in your native language.

You can get help from the courts. Every judicial district has staff called “Sherlocks” to help people with their legal questions. To find the Sherlock in your county, visit the Judicial Department’s Sherlock webpage.