Renting a home · Updated Oct 2026 · Colorado

Landlord enters without notice in Colorado: what to do

Most states require the landlord to give advance notice (often 24 or 48 hours) and enter only at reasonable times, except in emergencies; some states have no rule and the lease controls. Repeated entry without notice can be harassment. Start by asking in writing for proper notice and keep a log.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case.

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Your plan for Colorado

Do now

  1. If you answered “Yes” to “Do you feel unsafe, or did someone enter while you were inside and refuse to leave?”

    If someone is in your home and you feel unsafe, call 911.

    Why: Safety first.

  2. Write down the date, time, who entered, and what they did. Save any camera footage or messages.

    Why: A log is the main proof of a pattern.

  3. If you answered “Not sure” to “Was there an emergency (leak, fire, gas)?”

    Ask the landlord in writing why they entered and whether there was an emergency.

    Why: The answer decides whether the entry broke your state's rule.

  4. If you answered “Yes” to “Was there an emergency (leak, fire, gas)?”

    If it was a real emergency (leak, fire, gas), ask the landlord to tell you what was done; entry without notice in an emergency is allowed in states with an entry rule.

    Why: An emergency entry is usually not a violation, but you can still ask what happened.

  5. Check your state's entry rule on tenantrightsmap.com and the entry clause in your lease.

    Why: Notice periods range from none to 48 hours or more.

This week

  1. Send the landlord a written request to give the notice your state or lease requires before entering, except in emergencies.

    Why: A clear written request creates proof if it continues.

  2. Do not change the locks or refuse all entry unless your state or lease allows it; in states with an entry rule, you generally can't unreasonably refuse entry with proper notice.

    Why: Blocking lawful entry can be a lease violation.

If it's not resolved

  1. If it keeps happening, you may have claims for invasion of privacy, harassment or breach of the lease; some states set money penalties.

    Why: Remedies differ by state.

  2. If you answered “More than once” to “How often has it happened?”

    If entries started after you complained or asked for repairs, read your state's retaliation rules.

    Why: Harassment after a complaint can be illegal retaliation.

  3. Contact legal aid about a court order or ending the lease if entries continue.

    Why: Some states let tenants end the lease or get an injunction for repeated illegal entry.

Deadlines

Advance notice required before landlord entry

General rule: see state

In Colorado:

No general statute on landlord entry; check your lease. For repairs of habitability problems, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice with the date, time and expected length of the visit, except when the problem is an imminent threat to life, health or safety or would cause serious damage. You may reasonably refuse the time offered and propose another. C.R.S. § 38-12-503(6).

checked Oct 2026 · From Tenant Rights Map: Colorado

Key facts for Colorado

Tenant Rights Map

Deadline to return a deposit
30 days (lease: up to 60)
Security deposit limit
2 months' rent
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
10 days (5 for some small landlords)
Notice before the landlord enters
No statute

Tenant Rights Map: Colorado · checked Oct 2026

Documents to gather

  • Lease (entry clause)
  • Log of each entry with dates and times
  • Photos, camera footage, doorbell videos
  • Your written request and any replies

Letters you can send

Fill in the blanks; the letter updates as you type. Copy it, print it or save it as a text file. Nothing you type is sent or saved: it stays on this page until you close it.

Request for proper notice before entry

Ask the landlord in writing to follow the entry notice rule.

Dear [Landlord name],

On [Entry dates], you or someone working for you entered my home at [Rental address] without advance notice. [Your state's rule (optional)]

Please give me advance notice before any future entry, except in a true emergency. I will cooperate with reasonable requests for access.

Sincerely,
[Your name]

Where to go

Talk to a lawyer if

  • Entries continue after your written request
  • The landlord took or damaged your things
  • You were threatened or harassed
  • Entries started after a complaint or a repair request

Free help

Free legal aid for renters with low income: find your local office through the Legal Services Corporation (lsc.gov/about-lsc/what-legal-aid/i-need-legal-help) or LawHelp.org (lawhelp.org/find-help). Your state page on tenantrightsmap.com lists state tenant help. For help paying rent or utilities, call 211 or visit 211.org. HUD's state pages (hud.gov/states) list local tenant resources.

Guides for your state

Guides for every state

Questions

What is the advance notice required before landlord entry in Colorado?

No general statute on landlord entry; check your lease. For repairs of habitability problems, the landlord must give at least 24 hours' written notice with the date, time and expected length of the visit, except when the problem is an imminent threat to life, health or safety or would cause serious damage. You may reasonably refuse the time offered and propose another. C.R.S. § 38-12-503(6).

When should I talk to a lawyer?

Entries continue after your written request; The landlord took or damaged your things; You were threatened or harassed; Entries started after a complaint or a repair request.

Plans by state

Open the plan with one state's rules filled in:

Sources

Plan checked Oct 2026. Independently fact-checked 2026-10-24.

This plan is general legal information, not legal advice. RobinClaim is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines change and have exceptions: check with the official source or a lawyer or legal aid office about your own case. How we research.