English
EspañolCan I change my locks or make other changes to the apartment for my safety?
You can change your locks if you give your landlord the same notice that you would give to end your lease. Once you have done that, your landlord cannot stop you, charge you any penalty, or take any other action against you because you changed the locks. Even if your lease says that you cannot change the locks, that section is void due to this law.1 The law does not explicitly say who must pay for the new lock, but it is likely if you decide to change it that you will have to pay for it.
You must give the landlord a copy of the new key or code within 14 days of when you change the locks. However, if your landlord is the person who committed the unlawful sexual assault, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, you don’t have to give them a copy. If you think it’s safe and they agree not to give the key to the landlord, you can give it to another person who has the authority to manage the property.2
You may also take any other “reasonable” safety precaution, such as:
- installing window bars;
- installing cameras; or
- making other non-permanent changes to the property.1
The landlord must also take all “reasonably necessary” steps to make sure your home is safe.1
1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-402(7)(a)
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-402(7)(c)
