Duty to Pay Rent in Colorado

Landlords decide to invest in property because they want to make a return, and having tenants pay their rent is essential for the investment to pay off. Tenants in Colorado have a duty to pay rent on their homes, but sometimes unexpected events happen that result in a dispute over this basic duty.

The Colorado landlord-tenant dispute lawyers at Flaxman Law Group are here to help both landlords and tenants sort out difficult rent disagreements. Whether you’re a landlord or tenant in Silverthorne, Pueblo, Denver, or any other community, if you’re engaged in a dispute over a rental or lease agreement, contact the Colorado landlord-tenant dispute attorneys at Flaxman Law Group by dialing 970-999-0530. In a consultation, our family-based legal team can review your options and discuss ways you can protect your rights.

The “Duty to Pay Rent” in Colorado is an implied and legally binding agreement. Even if it’s not explicitly stated in the lease agreement, tenants must make rent payments to the landlord, in full and on time, in exchange for the right to reside in the property.

Even though it’s implied that tenants will pay rent, it’s best to have a lease agreement that clearly outlines the tenant’s duty to pay rent as part of a legally binding contract. The lease agreement can contain:

• Payment terms. These can include the day of the month the rent is due, the amount, and the preferred method of payment.
• Grace period. As of 2021, Colorado landlords must wait seven days, at minimum, before charging a late fee.
• Late fees. Landlords in Colorado can charge late fees if the tenant fails to pay rent on time. However, to charge late fees landlords must include information about late fees in the lease agreement. They also can’t charge more than $50 or 5% of the amount outstanding for the month (whichever is greater).

Rent is a common point of contention between landlords and tenants. Landlords may be counting on the rent to pay for the property and to take care of their financial obligations, but a lot can happen that can affect a renter’s ability to pay the rent. A check or electronic payment may get lost, for example. A tenant may lose their job and be unable to pay for rent. In some cases, tenants incorrectly believe they have the right to stop paying rent because repairs have not been completed.

Landlords have remedies to help them when a tenant doesn’t pay. They can eventually seek eviction, using the procedures outlined by Colorado law. They may also have the right to seek legal action to recover unpaid rent.

Tenants have rights, too. Even if they don’t fulfil their duty to pay rent in Colorado, they’re protected from illegal evictions and may have the right to remain in their home if they can pay off what is owed. They’re also protected from retaliatory action by the landlord.

Whether you’re a landlord or tenant in Silverthorne, Pueblo, Denver, or any other community, don’t let a disagreement over rent get out of hand. Speak to a Colorado landlord-tenant dispute lawyer as soon as you realize you can’t resolve a disagreement yourself.

You can always reach Colorado landlord-tenant dispute attorneys by contacting Flaxman Law Group for a confidential consultation.

At Flaxman Law Group, we understand that legal issues can arise at any time. That's why our attorneys provide their personal cell phone numbers to every client, ensuring you have 24/7 access to your legal team. We're dedicated to ensuring your rights are protected and that you receive the justice you deserve in landlord-tenant disputes. Call us today at 970-999-0530 for a consultation with a Colorado landlord-tenant dispute attorney if you have a disagreement about rent you just can’t resolve on your own.