• Colorado's landlord and tenant laws are contained in the state's revised statutes.colorado river image by Don Lewis from Fotolia.com
  
  When you rent a property in Colorado, the agreement is subject to many state laws. The specific area of code referenced for landlord-tenant laws are in the revised statutes, sections 38-12-101 and 13-40-101. Landlord and tenant laws establish rights, responsibilities and remedies for both parties. Lease terms cannot waive any renter rights granted under the statutes.
  
  

Lease Agreement

• The lease agreement is a legally binding document covering all aspects of the rental agreement. The landlord and tenant names and addresses and the rental property address should be listed. Most written leases are for a specific term, such as one year, although agreements called periodic tenancies go month-to-month. Utility responsibilities, rental payment, pet policy, subtenant policy and repair responsibilities are also included. Both landlord and tenant must sign the lease agreement for it to be legally binding.
  
  

Security Deposit

• Colorado does not have any statutes that restrict the amount a security deposit can be. However it does designate what the security deposit can be used for, as well as the time frame for returning it. The landlord cannot use the security deposit to pay for wear and tear damage and cleaning. The security deposit is used for damage and cleaning beyond wear and tear. The landlord has 30 days to return all or part of the security deposit. An itemized list is also sent to detail all of the repairs done in the rental unit.
  
  

Peaceful Enjoyment of Property

• Colorado statutes grant the tenant right of peaceful enjoyment of the property. This limits the ability of the landlord to enter the property while it is under the possession of the tenant. The landlord needs express permission from the tenant to enter the property. The only exception to this rule is to make a demand for rental payments and emergency repairs.
  
  

Eviction

• Colorado landlords are prohibited from evicting tenants without getting a court order. The Colorado eviction process is pursued for only a few reasons: nonpayment of rent, breaking lease terms and end-of-lease termination. The landlord must send a written notice before filing the eviction case in court to give the tenant time to leave the premises, fix the problem or come to an alternative arrangement with the landlord.