Housing assistance in Colorado

Where to apply for rental assistance and vouchers

Section 8 vouchers and public housing are run by local public housing agencies (PHAs). Each keeps its own waiting list, so apply to every agency serving places you could live. The state housing finance agency funds affordable apartments and homebuyer programs but usually does not take voucher applications.

Ask each agency: Is the waiting list open? How do I apply, and how will you contact me? Never pay to apply or to move up a list. See how to apply for Section 8 and how waiting lists work.

Programs and free legal help in Colorado

No statewide emergency rent program? Most rent help is local. Call 211 and ask which county, charity, or community action programs are taking applications now. See emergency rental assistance.

Key tenant laws in Colorado

Statewide rules for most private rentals. Cities, counties, subsidized housing, and your lease can add protections, and some rules have exceptions. Read the linked law before relying on a deadline.

Security deposit limit

No more than 2 months' rent (SB23-184, in effect since August 7, 2023).

C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5

Deposit return deadline

Since January 1, 2026 (HB25-1249), the landlord must return the deposit within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises, whichever is later. The lease can allow more time, up to 60 days. Any amount kept needs a written statement of exact reasons plus supporting documentation, and nothing may be kept for normal wear and tear or for damage that existed before the tenancy. Wrongful retention can cost the landlord three times the amount withheld plus attorney fees, but the tenant must first give 7 days' notice of intent to sue.

C.R.S. § 38-12-103, as amended by HB25-1249

Notice before an eviction for unpaid rent

10 days' written notice to pay the rent or give up possession. The period is 5 days for an 'exempt residential agreement' (generally a single-family home rented by a landlord who owns five or fewer) and 3 days for nonresidential or employer-provided housing.

C.R.S. § 13-40-104(1)(d)

Rent increases and rent control

State law preempts local rent control, so no county or city may pass an ordinance controlling rent on private residential property. For tenancies without a written agreement, a rent increase requires at least 60 days' written notice.

C.R.S. §§ 38-12-301, 38-12-701

If the landlord won’t make repairs

Repair-and-deduct is allowed for breaches of the warranty of habitability (SB24-094, effective May 3, 2024). The tenant must give at least 10 days' written notice (48 hours if the condition threatens life, health or safety) of the plan to hire a qualified professional. If the landlord does not fix the problem, the tenant may deduct the reasonable cost from rent and must provide receipts. A broken appliance can be replaced and deducted after 3 days' notice. A tenant may instead end the lease with 10 to 60 days' written notice, or raise the breach as a defense in an eviction case.

C.R.S. § 38-12-507 (as reenacted by SB24-094)

This is general information, not legal advice. If you have a notice or court papers, contact legal aid right away. See facing eviction, security deposit rights, and repairs and habitability.

Phone lines that serve Colorado

• Shelter, rent help, and local services211
• HUD-approved housing counseling800-569-4287
• Housing discrimination complaints (HUD)800-669-9777
• Energy assistance referral (LIHEAP)866-674-6327
• Veterans at risk of homelessness877-424-3838
• Domestic violence hotline800-799-7233

More local contacts: HUD’s Colorado resource page.

Next steps

1. Urgent? If you need shelter tonight or have an eviction court date, start with urgent housing help.
2. Behind on rent: call 211 and apply to several programs at once. Use our payment plan letter to propose terms to your landlord in writing.
3. Long-term help: apply to every housing agency above, plus income-restricted apartments. Gather your documents first.
4. Check affordability: use the rent affordability calculator or the Section 8 rent calculator.

Sources

Checked October 10, 2026. Laws, programs, and agency websites change; confirm details with the agency or court before relying on them. Report a correction.

1. SB23-184 Protections for Residential TenantsColorado General Assembly
2. SB23-184 enrolled act textColorado General Assembly
3. HB25-1249 Tenant Security Deposit ProtectionsColorado General Assembly
4. HB25-1249 enrolled act textColorado General Assembly
5. HB25-1168 Housing Protections for Victim-SurvivorsColorado General Assembly
6. HB19-1118 Time Period to Cure Lease ViolationColorado General Assembly
7. C.R.S. § 13-40-104 Unlawful detainerFindLaw (Colorado statutes mirror)
8. C.R.S. § 38-12-301 Rent control prohibitedFindLaw (Colorado statutes mirror)
9. C.R.S. § 38-12-701 Notice of rent increaseFindLaw (Colorado statutes mirror)
10. SB24-094 Safe Housing for Residential TenantsColorado General Assembly
11. SB24-094 final act textColorado General Assembly
12. LEAP (Internet Archive snapshot, Aug. 22, 2026)Colorado Department of Human Services
13. Colorado Legal Services (Internet Archive snapshot, Sept. 24, 2026)Colorado Legal Services
14. Denver Housing AuthorityDenver Housing Authority
15. Housing Authority of the City of AuroraAurora Housing Authority
16. Boulder Housing PartnersBoulder Housing Partners