Pet Deposit Rules in Colorado (CO)
Colorado is classified as Landlord-Friendly for tenants with pets. Colorado has no statutory limit on pet deposits or security deposits. Landlords can charge any amount for pet deposits, non-refundable pet fees, and monthly pet rent. Monthly pet rent is allowed. Non-refundable pet fees are permitted.
Detailed Pet Deposit Rules in Colorado
Pet Deposit and Security Deposit Limits
Colorado has no statutory cap on security deposits or pet deposits. However, Colorado banned breed-specific legislation statewide in 2024 (HB 24-1041), meaning landlords cannot restrict specific dog breeds. Landlords may still impose reasonable size and weight restrictions.
Breed and Weight Restrictions
Colorado has banned breed-specific legislation, meaning landlords cannot restrict or prohibit specific dog breeds. Landlords may still impose reasonable size or weight restrictions, and they can address individual animals that pose a documented safety threat. However, blanket breed bans (such as "no pit bulls") are not permitted.
Weight restrictions are allowed in Colorado. Many landlords set weight limits (commonly 25-75 pounds) as part of their pet policy. These restrictions do not apply to service animals.
Service Animal Protections
Under federal law (ADA and FHA), landlords in Colorado cannot charge pet deposits, pet fees, or pet rent for service animals. Service animals are trained to perform specific tasks for people with disabilities and are not considered pets under the law. Landlords may ask only two questions: (1) Is the animal required because of a disability? (2) What task has the animal been trained to perform? They cannot require documentation, certification, or registration for service animals. Breed and weight restrictions also do not apply to service animals.
Emotional Support Animal (ESA) Rules
Colorado enacted HB 21-1271 providing additional ESA protections. Landlords must accept ESA documentation from licensed professionals.
Under the Fair Housing Act, landlords must make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals. Unlike service animals, ESAs do not require specific training — they provide therapeutic benefit through companionship. Landlords may request documentation from a licensed healthcare provider (physician, psychologist, psychiatrist, licensed clinical social worker, etc.) confirming that the tenant has a disability-related need for the animal. Online ESA "registrations" or "certifications" are not sufficient documentation under current HUD guidance (2020).
Applicable Law
The primary statute governing pet deposits and security deposits in Colorado is Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-101 to 38-12-104. Federal laws that also apply include the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for service animals and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) for emotional support animals. Tenants who believe their rights have been violated can file complaints with HUD (1-800-669-9777), their state attorney general, or a local tenant rights organization.
Tenant Rights Checklist for Colorado
- Non-refundable deposits may be allowed. Check your lease for whether your pet deposit is labeled as refundable or non-refundable.
- Your landlord cannot charge a pet deposit, fee, or rent for a service animal (federal law).
- Your landlord must make reasonable accommodations for emotional support animals with proper documentation (federal law).
- Monthly pet rent is allowed in your state. Typical amounts range from $25 to $75 per pet.
- Non-refundable pet fees are allowed in your state. Make sure your lease clearly states whether your pet charge is a refundable deposit or a non-refundable fee.
- Your state has banned breed-specific restrictions. Landlords cannot reject your pet based solely on breed.
Landlord Obligations in Colorado
- Must comply with federal ADA and FHA requirements for service animals and ESAs.
- Must clearly disclose all pet-related charges (deposits, fees, rent) in the lease agreement.
- Cannot impose breed-specific restrictions on pets under state law.
- Cannot retaliate against tenants who assert their rights regarding service animals or ESAs.
- Must maintain the property in habitable condition regardless of pet-related deposits collected.
States with Similar Pet Deposit Rules
These states have the same type of pet deposit regulation as Colorado (No Statutory Limit):
| State | Pet Deposit Rule | Pet Rent? | Non-Refundable? | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado (CO) | No statutory limit on pet deposit specifically | Yes | Yes | |
| Alabama (AL) | No statutory limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Florida (FL) | No statutory limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Georgia (GA) | No statutory limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Idaho (ID) | No statutory limit | Yes | Yes | |
| Indiana (IN) | No statutory limit | Yes | Yes |
Need More Information?
Use our pet deposit lookup tool to quickly check any state's rules, or browse all 50 states + DC to compare pet deposit laws across the country. Remember: this information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For questions about your specific situation, contact a local attorney or your state's tenant rights organization.