I don't know anything about CO law, but the following principles are generally true. Check CO law for the details:
1. They owner probably doesn't have to give you any notice that he is selling. In fact, he probably doesn't want the tenants to know because then they might leave and leave him with a rental loss and empty units, This costs him rental loss, plus reduces the value of the property that he wants to sell (value is calculated from gross annual income).
2. He probably does have to give you notice before he (or the realtor) can enter the unit to show it. Check CO law for the circumstances under which landlord can enter rented premises. He probably has to give you notice (maybe 24 hours) but he is only restricted to something like "reasonable hours of the day" as to when. He doesn't have to give you a choice. Make a written objection to the lock box, although it may not do you any good. Also, check your lease if it says "landlord" can enter, or if it also allows him to delegate that authority. If so, ask him to specify to whom exactly has he delegated that authority to.
Finally, you will get much farther by discussing the matter politely and professionally with the landlord and realtor, explaining your objections, suggesting other ways for them to achieve their goals without making things difficult for you.
P.S. Remember that he has a right to enter to show the apartment, subject to only some reasonable rules to preserve your privacy. You should cooperate with him to help him achieve his goal of selling. Try asking him to restrict showing to say Saturday and Sunday, between 11am and 2pm,
and you will promise to be there to let anyone in so he won't need the lock box. Promise to keep the unit clean and attractive, and to be helpful in showing the premises.
[Edited by LL on 03-05-2001 at 02:51 PM]
