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Legal Information: Colorado

Housing Laws

Updated: 
October 13, 2023

Who is protected by these housing laws? What protections do these laws offer?

Colorado offers various housing-related laws that protect victims of domestic violence (as defined in section 18-6-800.3(1) of the law), domestic abuse (as defined in section 13-14-101(2) of the law), unlawful sexual behavior (as defined in section 16-22-102(9) of the law), or stalking.

First, your landlord cannot terminate your lease, fine you, or otherwise penalize you for calling the police or other emergency assistance in response to domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking. Furthermore, you cannot give up your right to call the police or other emergency assistance for help during your tenancy.1

Second, you can terminate your lease early if you want to vacate (leave) your home because you are afraid that you or your children face immediate danger as a result of domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking. To do so, you must follow these two steps:

  1. Notify your landlord in writing that you are a victim of domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking; and
  2. Give your landlord one of the following documents:
    • a police report written within the past 60 days documenting the domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking;
    • a valid protection order;
    • in the case of domestic violence, domestic abuse, or unlawful sexual behavior, a written statement from an “application assistant” or a medical professional who confirms that s/he has examined or consulted with the victim and that s/he is a victim of one of these forms of abuse; or
    • in the case of stalking, a written statement from an “application assistant” who confirms that s/he has consulted with the victim and that s/he is a victim of stalking.2

Third, you cannot be evicted solely because you are a victim of domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, or stalking, although you can still be evicted for other reasons.3

1 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-402(1)
2 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-402(2)(a), (2)(a.5)
3 Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-402(3)