Cal. Civ. Code § 38-12-1202
Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in this part 12, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Dwelling unit" means a structure or the part of a structure that is used as a home, residence, or sleeping place by a tenant. "Dwelling unit" includes a mobile home, as defined in section 38-12-201.5 (2). (2) "Immigration or citizenship status" means a person's actual or perceived immigration or citizenship status. (3) "Landlord" means the owner, manager, lessor, or sublessor of a residential premises. (4) "Rental agreement" means any agreement, written or implied by law, between a landlord and a tenant embodying the terms and conditions concerning the use and occupancy of a residential premises. (5) "Residential premises" means a structure of which one or more dwelling units are part, including any immediately surrounding property that is owned by or subject to the exclusive control of a person who controls such a dwelling unit. (6) (a) "Tenant" means a person entitled under a rental agreement to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others. (b) "Tenant" includes a prospective tenant or any other person seeking to occupy a dwelling unit to the exclusion of others.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-1202 establishes the core vocabulary used throughout Part 12 of Colorado's residential tenancy law. It defines key terms such as "dwelling unit," "landlord," "tenant," "rental agreement," and "residential premises," ensuring these words carry consistent legal meaning across the entire part. Notably, the definition of "tenant" extends beyond current occupants to include prospective tenants and others seeking to occupy a unit, and "dwelling unit" explicitly covers mobile homes. The definition of "immigration or citizenship status" covers both actual and perceived status, signaling that protections in Part 12 apply regardless of whether a person's status is correctly identified.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Under § 38-12-1202, the term "landlord" encompasses not just property owners but also managers, lessors, and sublessors of residential premises, meaning obligations under Part 12 generally apply across the full range of people who control or lease residential units. Compliant operators typically apply the rules of Part 12 consistently to all rental agreements—whether written or implied—and to all residential premises they control, including surrounding property. Because "tenant" is defined broadly to include prospective tenants, operators generally extend relevant Part 12 protections to applicants and others seeking to occupy a unit, not only to those already under a signed agreement.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 38-12-1202 defines "tenant" broadly to include not just current occupants but also prospective tenants and anyone else seeking to occupy a dwelling unit, which means the protections established elsewhere in Part 12 may apply even before a rental agreement is signed. The definition of "immigration or citizenship status" as covering both actual and perceived status suggests that Part 12 protections are not limited to people whose status is accurately known. Tenants and prospective tenants who believe their rights under Part 12 have been violated may consider consulting a tenant-rights organization or reviewing available complaint processes to understand how these definitions affect their situation.
General guidance for tenants — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult a tenant-rights organization or attorney for advice on your case.
Generated October 16, 2026 — auto-generated, not yet human-reviewed. See /transparency for methodology.
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