Cal. Civ. Code § 38-12-401
Definitions.
Operative Text
As used in this part 4, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Application assistant" has the same meaning provided in section 24-30-2103 (4). (2) "Domestic abuse" has the same meaning as provided in section 13-14-101 (2). (3) "Domestic violence" means the conduct described in section 18-6-800.3 (1) or any conduct described in section 13-14-101 (2.1). (4) "Medical professional" means a person licensed to practice medicine pursuant to article 240 of title 12, or a person licensed and in good standing to practice medicine in another state, or a person licensed to practice nursing or as a certified midwife pursuant to part 1 of article 255 of title 12 or in another state. (4.5) "Mental health provider" means an employee, agent, or volunteer of a victim-survivor service provider, an attorney, a medical professional, a mental health professional licensed or certified pursuant to article 245 of title 12, a peer support specialist, as defined in section 27-60-108, or a mental health hospital, behavioral health entity, clinic, or institution. (5) "Stalking" means the criminal offense described in section 18-3-602. (5.5) "Tenant" has the same meaning as set forth in section 38-12-502 and includes "home owners", as defined in section 38-12-201.5. (6) "Unlawful sexual behavior" means the criminal offenses listed in section 16-22-102 (9) or any conduct described in section 13-14-101 (2.9). (7) "Victim-survivor" means a residential tenant who has provided documentation required pursuant to section 38-12-402 (2)(a.5). (8) "Victim-survivor service provider" means an organization or individual that provides services to victim-survivors of unlawful sexual behavior, stalking, domestic violence, or domestic abuse, including victim's advocates as described in section 13-90-107 (1)(k)(II).
Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-401 establishes the definitions that govern Part 4 of Colorado's residential tenant protections related to victim-survivors. The section precisely defines terms such as "domestic violence," "stalking," "unlawful sexual behavior," "victim-survivor," and "victim-survivor service provider" by cross-referencing other Colorado statutes, ensuring consistent interpretation throughout the part. It also clarifies who qualifies as a "medical professional" or "mental health provider" for purposes of providing documentation, and it broadens the definition of "tenant" to include home owners as defined elsewhere in Colorado law.
Plain English — not legal advice.
Property owners and managers operating under Colorado's victim-survivor tenant protections should familiarize themselves with the definitions set out in § 38-12-401, as these terms govern how the rest of Part 4 applies to their properties. For example, understanding who qualifies as a "medical professional" or "mental health provider" under this section helps operators recognize what documentation may be valid when a tenant invokes protections under Part 4. Compliant operators generally apply these definitions consistently and do not impose narrower interpretations than the statute provides.
General guidance for property managers — not legal advice for your specific situation. Consult an attorney for advice on your case.
Section § 38-12-401 lays the definitional groundwork for Colorado's tenant protections available to victim-survivors of domestic violence, domestic abuse, stalking, and unlawful sexual behavior. If you believe you may qualify as a "victim-survivor" under this section—meaning you have provided the documentation described in § 38-12-402(2)(a.5)—the definitions here determine which professionals can support your documentation and which organizations count as victim-survivor service providers. Tenant-rights organizations in Colorado can help you understand how these definitions apply to the broader protections available under Part 4.
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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