Townhouses for Rent in Colorado: 2025 Complete Renter's Guide

By RentLateFee TeamNovember 19, 202513 min read
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Townhouses for Rent in Colorado: 2025 Complete Renter's Guide

Colorado's booming rental market offers diverse housing options, with townhouses emerging as a popular choice for renters seeking more space, privacy, and amenities than traditional apartments. From Denver's urban townhome communities to mountain-adjacent properties in Boulder and Colorado Springs, finding the right townhouse rental requires understanding local markets, pricing trends, and tenant rights.

Overview of Colorado Townhouse Rental Market

Colorado's townhouse rental market has experienced significant growth, driven by population influx, remote work flexibility, and high single-family home prices pushing renters toward alternative housing. Townhouses offer the perfect middle ground: more space than apartments, outdoor access (patios/yards), and often garages—without the maintenance burdens of single-family homes.

Key Market Statistics (2025):

Best Cities for Townhouse Rentals in Colorado

1. Denver

Market Characteristics:

Why Rent Here:

2. Colorado Springs

Market Characteristics:

Why Rent Here:

3. Boulder

Market Characteristics:

Why Rent Here:

4. Fort Collins

Market Characteristics:

Why Rent Here:

5. Aurora

Market Characteristics:

Why Rent Here:

6. Lakewood

Market Characteristics:

Why Rent Here:

Average Townhouse Rental Prices by Region

Region 2-Bed Townhouse 3-Bed Townhouse 4-Bed Townhouse
Denver Metro $2,400 $2,900 $3,600
Colorado Springs $1,600 $2,000 $2,600
Boulder/Longmont $2,800 $3,400 $4,200
Fort Collins $1,700 $2,100 $2,700
Aurora $1,800 $2,200 $2,800
Pueblo $1,100 $1,400 $1,800
Grand Junction $1,200 $1,500 $1,900
Mountain Towns $2,500 $3,200 $4,500+

Prices reflect averages; luxury and newly constructed townhouses command premium pricing.

What to Expect When Renting a Townhouse in Colorado

Typical Townhouse Features:

Layout & Size:

Amenities:

Community Amenities:

Utilities Breakdown:

Typically Included in Rent:

Typically Tenant Responsibility:

Total Monthly Housing Cost Example:

How to Find Townhouses for Rent in Colorado

Online Rental Platforms:

1. Zillow Rentals

2. Apartments.com

3. Trulia

4. Craigslist

5. Facebook Marketplace & Local Groups

Property Management Companies:

National Companies:

Local Colorado Companies:

Driving Through Neighborhoods:

Look for "For Rent" signs in desirable neighborhoods. Private landlords who don't advertise online may offer:

Townhouse Rental Application Process

Step 1: Pre-Qualification

Before applying, ensure you meet typical landlord requirements:

Income: Monthly income ≥ 2.5-3x monthly rent

Credit Score: 620+ (minimum); 680+ for competitive properties

Rental History: Positive references from previous landlords

Employment: Stable job history (6-12 months current employer)

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Prepare these documents in advance:

Step 3: Submit Application & Fees

Application Fees: $30-$75 per adult applicant

What Landlords Check:

Step 4: Security Deposit & Move-In Costs

Security Deposit: Typically 1-1.5 months' rent ($1,800-$3,600 for $2,400/month townhouse)

First Month's Rent: Due at lease signing

Additional Fees:

Total Move-In Costs Example:

Colorado Tenant Rights and Protections

Security Deposit Laws

Colorado Revised Statute § 38-12-103 governs security deposits:

Return Timeline:

Allowable Deductions:

Interest Requirement: No requirement to pay interest on security deposits

Eviction Process

Colorado has landlord-friendly eviction laws:

  1. 10-Day Demand for Rent: Notice given for non-payment
  2. Court Filing: After 10 days, landlord can file eviction lawsuit
  3. Court Hearing: Typically scheduled within 7-10 days
  4. Writ of Restitution: If landlord wins, sheriff evicts within 48 hours

Total Timeline: 3-4 weeks from first notice to physical eviction

Lease Termination

Fixed-Term Leases:

Month-to-Month Leases:

Landlord Entry Rights

Colorado law requires "reasonable notice" before landlord entry (typically 24-48 hours) except:

Rent Increase Rules

Pet-Friendly Townhouse Rentals

Colorado is a pet-friendly state with high pet ownership rates (62% of households). Many townhouses allow pets, but expect:

Pet Policies:

Allowed Pets:

Restricted Breeds:

Weight Limits:

Pet Fees:

Finding Pet-Friendly Townhouses:

Use filters on rental websites: "Pet-Friendly," "Dogs Allowed," "Cats Allowed"

Best Pet-Friendly Areas:

Tips for Securing Your Dream Townhouse

1. Act Quickly

Colorado's rental market is competitive. Quality townhouses rent within 3-7 days of listing.

Best Practices:

2. Offer to Pay More Upfront

If you're competing with other applicants, offer:

3. Provide a Rental Resume

Create a one-page document including:

4. Be Flexible on Move-In Date

Landlords prefer tenants who can move in quickly or wait for their preferred timeline. Flexibility increases your chances.

5. Write a Personal Introduction Letter

Attach a brief, professional letter introducing yourself:

Dear [Landlord Name],

My name is [Your Name], and I'm excited about renting your townhouse at [Address]. I'm a [profession] at [Company] with stable income and excellent rental history. I've lived in Colorado for [X years] and value maintaining clean, well-kept homes.

I'm a responsible tenant who pays rent on time, respects property, and communicates proactively. [Include relevant details: non-smoker, quiet, no parties, etc.]

Attached are my application materials and references. I'm happy to provide any additional information you need. Thank you for considering me as your tenant.

Best regards,
[Your Name]
[Phone | Email]

Townhouse Rental Scams to Avoid

Red Flags:

🚩 Too Good to Be True Pricing: Rent 30-50% below market rate
🚩 Landlord Can't Show Property: Excuses like "traveling overseas"
🚩 Pressure to Send Money Immediately: Before viewing or signing lease
🚩 Wire Transfer or Gift Card Payments: Legitimate landlords use checks/bank transfers
🚩 No Written Lease: Verbal agreements only
🚩 Landlord Has No Ownership Proof: Can't show title or property tax records

Protection Tips:

Best Time to Rent a Townhouse in Colorado

Peak Season (May-September):

Characteristics:

Pros: More options
Cons: Competition, higher prices

Off-Season (October-April):

Characteristics:

Pros: Lower prices, negotiate better terms
Cons: Fewer listings

Best Strategy: Start searching in March-April for May move-ins (avoid peak competition, still good inventory).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are townhouses cheaper than apartments in Colorado?

Not always. Townhouses typically cost 10-30% more than comparable apartment units because of additional space, garages, and yards. However, cost-per-square-foot may favor townhouses.

Q: Do I have to pay HOA fees when renting a townhouse?

Usually, no. Landlords typically pay HOA fees and include them in your rent. Verify in your lease.

Q: Can I make modifications to a rental townhouse (paint, install fixtures)?

Only with written landlord permission. Most leases prohibit modifications without approval. Always ask before making changes.

Q: What is the average lease term for townhouses in Colorado?

Most townhouse leases are 12 months. Shorter (6-9 month) and longer (18-24 month) leases are sometimes available, often at premium or discounted rates respectively.

Q: Do townhouses include appliances?

Most Colorado townhouse rentals include:

Check listings for specifics.

Q: Can I sublet my townhouse rental?

Only if your lease allows it (most don't). Subletting without permission violates your lease and can result in eviction.

Q: Are utilities more expensive in townhouses vs. apartments?

Yes, typically. Townhouses have more space to heat/cool and often charge tenants for all utilities. Budget an additional $150-$300/month compared to apartments.

Resources for Colorado Renters

Conclusion

Renting a townhouse in Colorado offers renters the space, privacy, and amenities that apartments can't match—without the responsibilities of homeownership. With rental prices ranging from $1,600-$4,200/month depending on location, townhouses cater to families, professionals, and anyone seeking a higher quality of life.

By understanding market trends, knowing your rights as a Colorado tenant, and acting quickly in competitive markets, you can secure the perfect townhouse rental for your needs and budget.

Need to calculate late fees if your rent payment is delayed? Use our Colorado rent late fee calculator to understand your obligations under Colorado law.


This guide is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Consult local real estate professionals and tenant rights organizations for specific guidance.