Colorado § 38-12-504 - Tenant's maintenance of premises.

Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-504 — Tenant's maintenance of premises., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 38-12-504. Tenant's maintenance of premises.

(1) In addition to any duties imposed upon a tenant by a rental agreement, every tenant of a residential premises has a duty to use that portion of the premises within the tenant's control in a reasonably clean and safe manner. A tenant fails to maintain the premises in a reasonably clean and safe manner when the tenant substantially fails to:

(a) Comply with obligations imposed upon tenants by applicable provisions of building, health, and housing codes materially affecting health and safety;

(b) Keep the dwelling unit reasonably clean, safe, and sanitary as permitted by the conditions of the unit;

(c) Dispose of ashes, garbage, rubbish, and other waste from the dwelling unit in a clean, safe, sanitary, and legally compliant manner;

(d) Use in a reasonable manner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, air-conditioning, elevators, and other facilities and appliances in the dwelling unit;

(e) Conduct himself or herself and require other persons in the residential premises within the tenant's control to conduct themselves in a manner that does not disturb their neighbors' peaceful enjoyment of the neighbors' dwelling unit; or

(f) Promptly notify the landlord if the residential premises is uninhabitable as defined in section 38-12-505 or if there is a condition that could result in the premises becoming uninhabitable if not remedied.

(2) In addition to the duties set forth in subsection (1) of this section, a tenant shall not knowingly, intentionally, deliberately, or negligently destroy, deface, damage, impair, or remove any part of the residential premises or knowingly permit any person within his or her control to do so.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize a modification of a landlord's obligations under this part 5.

Source: L. 2008: Entire part added, p. 1822, § 3, effective September 1. L. 2024: (3) amended, (SB 24-094), ch.158, p. 713, § 4, effective May 3.

Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 38-12-504

What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-504 cover?

Section 38-12-504 ("Tenant's maintenance of premises.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Colorado § 38-12-504?

A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-504" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Colorado law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.

How does Colorado § 38-12-504 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.