Published: Sept. 25, 2023

The Hill Neighborhood

Most CU Boulder students live in off-campus housing after their first year. The transition from living on campus requires students to navigate the rental market and tenancy, often for the first time. Student Legal Services (SLS) is a small law office dedicated exclusively to serving the legal needs of CU Boulder students. Part of the mission of SLS is to educate students on their rights and responsibilities in the legal system, including tenant rights. 

Students benefit by understanding the legal rights offered to tenants and the responsibilities of renting a property. 

What are tenant rights? 

Tenant rights are legal protections and remedies that benefit renters and include laws about housing conditions, evictions and security deposits. Federal, state and local laws detail tenant rights. Tenant legal protections apply to students, and students do not have special consideration under the law. 

Legal protections for tenants 

Students living off campus in Colorado have certain rights to protect their interests. These rights allow for consistent financial expectations and habitable living conditions, among other things. 

  • Discrimination: Landlords generally can’t discriminate against anyone in a protected class, such as race, gender, sexual orientation and gender identity. Note that being a student is not a protected class. 
  • Disclosures: Landlords must disclose to the tenant things such as application fee expenses, the reasons for denial of rental applications and, in some cities, certain local laws. 
  • Leases: Landlords must supply a copy of the signed lease. 
  • Late fees: Limits apply to when and how much a landlord may charge for late fees. 
  • Evictions: Tenants have the right to representation if a landlord seeks eviction.  
  • Living conditions: Tenants have the right to habitable premises. 
  • Security deposits: A landlord must account for the security deposit within a certain amount of time after the end of the lease and may not use the security deposit to pay for ordinary wear and tear. 

Tips for students moving into a rental property 

You can take steps to have a positive experience living in a rental property. Take the time to protect your interests and pick roommates with care. 

  • Roommates: Choose your roommates carefully. Remember, friends do not always make the best roommates. You want to live with people you can trust. Talk with your roommates about who will get which room, household chores, quiet hours, visits by significant others, rent payments, utility payments and other issues before you sign the lease. If you like, you can write down the information in a roommate agreement and have each person sign the agreement. 
  • Lease: Review the things to know before signing a lease resource by Student Legal Services. Have a lawyer review your lease agreement before anyone signs it. Do not rely on any oral promises made by the landlord because promises not written into the lease are unenforceable, and landlords know this. Know your responsibilities under the lease terms and be sure to meet them. 
  • Moving in: As soon as you get the keys, take detailed photos and videos of the property’s condition as evidence of what it looked like when you moved in. Also, fill out and turn in your check-in sheet if one is required. 
  • During the lease: While you live at the property, report any repair or maintenance issues right away, especially emergencies such as water leaks or fire hazards. Continue to follow the lease agreement, including paying your rent and following other legal obligations like mowing the lawn, removing snow and paying utilities. 
  • Move out: Before you leave the property, take detailed photos or videos of the property’s condition as evidence of what it looked like when you moved out. Also, fill out your check-out sheet if one is required. 

How can students find help with tenant rights? 

Student Legal Services can support eligible students with many landlord/tenant matters, such as: 

  • Lease reviews. 
  • Rental property repair and maintenance issues. 
  • Warranty of Habitability. 
  • Eviction proceedings. 
  • Security deposit disputes. 
  • Negotiation with and lawsuits against landlords. 

To schedule an appointment, visit Student Legal Services in UMC 311 or call the office at (303) 492-6813. Legal consultations related to landlords and tenants are free. Note that Student Legal Services cannot always give advice to or represent students on their landlord/tenant issues: see our limitations on services page for more information. 

Off-Campus Housing and Neighborhood Relations also offers student support, including free legal advice and a move-in kit. 

“Know your rights” is an article series that provides accessible information and practical advice about your rights as a CU Boulder student. Follow the series to equip yourself with the knowledge you need to navigate legal challenges confidently and to learn how Student Legal Services can help.