Rent Increases

Housing
Last Reviewed

Rent can increase over time, but Colorado law sets rules about when and how landlords can raise rent. These rules depend on whether you have a written lease, a month-to-month arrangement, or live in subsidized housing.

This guide explains: 

  • When landlords may increase rent
  • How much notice they must give
  • Special rules for subsidized housing programs

It is meant to help Colorado tenants understand the basic process behind rent increases so they know what to expect and what questions to ask if their rent goes up.

When can a landlord raise my rent?

A landlord usually can raise rent only 1 time per year if you continue living in the same unit.

This rule applies even if:

  • You pay rent month-to-month, or
  • You do not have a written lease.

If you have a written lease, the lease usually says when rent can increase. Many leases say the amount of rent and the date a future increase may occur.

Are there notice requirements for rent increases?

If you do not have a written lease

  • If you have an oral or month-to-month agreement, the landlord must give you at least 60 days’ written notice before increasing the rent.
  • A landlord cannot try to force you to move out just to avoid giving this 60-day notice.

If you have a written lease

Your lease may explain:

  • When rent can increase
  • How much notice is required

Sometimes the lease serves as notice if it already states that rent will increase on a certain date.

Is there a limit on rent increases?

In most situations, Colorado law does not limit how much rent can increase.

State law prevents cities and counties from creating rent control policies. Because of this, landlords can generally set rent at any amount when the lease allows an increase.

However, there are important exceptions for some types of housing.

Rent increases in subsidized housing

Different rules may apply if you live in housing that receives government support.

In these buildings, rent increases must follow guidelines tied to Area Median Income (AMI). These limits usually allow smaller annual increases.

If the building leaves the tax credit program, the landlord may be able to increase rent more freely.

If you use a Section 8 voucher:

  • The landlord must get approval from the voucher administrator before raising rent.
  • Your share of rent usually stays tied to your income, not the full rent amount.
  • If the rent goes above the program’s payment standard, you may need to pay more yourself.

In these programs, rent is usually limited to about one-third of your income, unless both your income and rent are very low.

Sometimes additional limits exist because of:

  • The terms of your lease.
  • Restrictions in the property deed.
  • Housing program rules.

These restrictions are not common but may appear in certain affordable housing developments.

Tips

  • Keep a copy of your lease and any rent increase notices
    • These documents can help you confirm whether the proper notice and timing rules were followed.
  • When legal help may be useful
    • Understanding housing rules can be difficult, especially when rent increases involve housing programs or complex leases. A tenant may want to speak with a lawyer or tenant-rights organization if:
      • A rent increase seems to violate a lease.
      • Proper notice was not provided.
      • The housing is part of a subsidy program.

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.

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