Notify tenant of intent to evict in Colorado: Colorado Eviction Notice
What we’ll cover
What is a Colorado Eviction Notice or Notice to Quit?
If you own or manage residential property in Colorado, you can create a Colorado Eviction Notice to notify renters of impending legal action if they do not comply with the terms of the lease agreement or leave the property when lawfully asked to do so.
With Colorado Eviction Notices, you can enforce your terms, while still giving your tenant(s) time to address the issue before a specific deadline. That said, in some instances, there won't be any resolution, and going to court is inevitable.
Our Eviction Notice for Colorado can be used for residential property within the Centennial State. If rent control or local laws complicate your tenant eviction, you may want to consult a Rocket Legal Pro™.
When to use a Colorado Eviction Notice:
- Your tenant has failed to pay the rent.
- Your tenant has violated a provision of the lease or rental agreement.
- Your tenant materially damaged the property.
- Your tenant is a nuisance or has caused trouble among other tenants.
- Your tenant has used the property for illegal activity.
- You wish to end a periodic tenancy (such as month-to-month).
- The lease has expired and the tenant has remained on the property.
Please note: you may never forcibly evict a tenant without going through the formal tenant eviction process.
Sample Colorado Eviction Notice
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Complies with relevant laws
DEMAND FOR COMPLIANCE OR RIGHT OF POSSESSION NOTICE
, Colorado
TO TENANT(S) AND ALL OTHERS IN POSSESSION OF THE PREMISES LOCATED AT:
, , Colorado
LANDLORD RESERVES ALL THE RIGHTS AND REMEDIES PROVIDED UNDER THE RENTAL AGREEMENT AND UNDER APPLICABLE LAWS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR UNPAID RENT OR PROPERTY AND NOTHING IN THIS NOTICE MAY BE CONSTRUED AS A WAIVER OF SUCH RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.
Dated:
By:______________________________
| , , |
Notice to Quit - §13-40-107, C.R.S.
(1) A tenancy may be terminated by notice in writing, served not less than the respective period fixed before the end of the applicable tenancy, as follows:
| (a) A tenancy for a one year or longer, ninety-one days; |
| (b) A tenancy of six months or longer but less than a year, twenty-eight days; |
| (c) A tenancy of one month or longer but less than six months, twenty-one days; |
| (d) A tenancy of one week or longer but less than one month, or a tenancy at will, three days; |
| (e) A tenancy for less than one week, one day. |
(2) Such notice shall describe the property and the particular time when the tenancy will terminate and shall be signed by the landlord or tenant, the party giving such notice or his agent or attorney.
(3) Any person in possession of real property with the assent of the owner is presumed to be a tenant at will until the contrary is shown.
(4) No notice to quit shall be necessary from or to a tenant whose term is, by agreement, to end at a time certain.
(5) Except as otherwise provided in §38-33-112, C.R.S., the provisions of subsections (1) and (4) of this section shall not apply to the termination of a residential tenancy during the 90-day period provided for in said section.
About Eviction Notices in Colorado
Learn about how to notify tenant of intent to evict in Colorado
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Different types and reasons for evictions in Colorado
REASON FOR EVICTION
TYPE OF NOTICE
NUMBER OF DAYS FOR NOTICE
LAWS
Nonpayment of rent
“Colorado Demand for Compliance or Right of Possession Notice”
10 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-104
Violation of lease or rental agreement
“Colorado Demand for Compliance or Right of Possession Notice”
10 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-104
Substantial violation of lease or rental agreement
“Colorado Demand for Compliance or Right of Possession Notice”
3 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107.5
Termination of periodic tenancy of over one year
“Colorado Notice to Quit”
91 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107
Termination of periodic tenancy of over six months and less than one year
“Colorado Notice to Quit”
28 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107
Termination of periodic tenancy of over one month and less than six months
“Colorado Notice to Quit”
21 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107
Termination of periodic tenancy of over one week and less than one month
“Colorado Notice to Quit”
3 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107
Termination of periodic tenancy of less than one week
“Colorado Notice to Quit”
1 days’ notice
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107
Lease holdover
“Colorado Notice to Quit”
Immediate
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-40-107
Regardless of the type of notice you need, we can help you build it. Get started now!
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Requirements, liabilities, and tenant protection for evictions in Colorado
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF: NONPAYMENT OF RENT
The tenant is guilty of unlawful detention if they stay without permission after failing to pay rent and receiving a three-day notice to pay or leave. (C.R.S. 13-40-104(1)(d))
EVICTION NOTICE REQUIREMENTS IN THE CASE OF: NONCOMPLIANCE
A tenancy can be ended due to a serious or repeated violation, with the termination taking effect three days after the notice to quit is served. (C.R.S. 13-40-107.5(4))
The tenant is guilty of unlawful detention if they stay without permission, even after having broken any terms of the agreement and been given a three-day notice to comply or leave. (C.R.S. 13-40-104(1)(e))
NOTICE REQUIREMENTS AND LANDLORD LIABILITY REGARDING PERSONAL PROPERTY
A landlord doesn't have to store a tenant's belongings after an eviction, but they can choose to do so. The landlord isn't responsible for any loss or damage to the personal property. (C.R.S. 13-40-122(3))
TENANT PROTECTION REGARDING FORECLOSURES
Within 20 days after the notice of election and demand is recorded, the public trustee must mail a combined notice to the property occupant. Between 45 and 60 days before the first scheduled date of sale, the public trustee must send the combined notice to people on the most recent mailing list. The sheriff must also send the required notice between 16 and 30 days after receiving the mailing list and the foreclosure decree or writ of execution. (C.R.S. 38-38-103; C.R.S. 38-38-100.3)
MORE RELEVANT LAWS
C.R.S. 13-40-101 through 13-40-123; C.R.S. 38-38-100.3; C.R.S. 38-38-103.
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How to write a Colorado Eviction Notice
Below is a list of details you may need when preparing a Colorado Eviction Notice. Not all items will apply to every situation. Any documents related to the rental agreement, lease violation, including any late rent notices or proof of lease violation, will also be helpful.
1. Start with the rental addresses
Addresses of the rental property and landlord or property management company.
2. List all tenant names
Every tenant listed on the Lease Agreement, pays rent, or lives there must be included in the notice.
3. Include the status and date of the Lease Agreement
Whether the lease is still active or not, or if there is a lease at all.
4. Detail the reason that the notice is being served
Landlords should always refer to state laws regarding evictions to make sure they have a legally valid reason to evict a tenant. The reason for the eviction will determine the type of notice being delivered.
Review each provision in the lease or rental agreement. If you are evicting tenants for unpaid rent, determine the amount of unpaid rent, if any. If you are evicting tenants for lease violations, determine violations of the lease or rental agreement, if any. Including documentation and the original lease agreement is also a good idea.
Remember, you will need to confirm that any policies and terms referred to in the Eviction Notice are actually present in the fully executed rental contract or lease agreement.
5. Provide the number of days for the notice period
The Eviction Notice should clearly spell out how much time the tenant has to resolve the situation before further legal action is taken. Rocket Lawyer can help you determine how much notice is required for your state and situation and build the right type of Eviction Notice.
6. Attach the proof of service
When using a proof of service to document the delivery of an Eviction Notice, the serving party should sign the document at the time of delivery. In Colorado, this is often called a Return of Service or Certificate of Service.
Luckily, you don't need to start from scratch when making a Colorado Eviction Notice with Rocket Lawyer. Just answer a few simple questions and we’ll build the right eviction notice for the situation, as well as help with next steps on how to serve your Eviction Notice.
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The eviction process in Colorado: what happens after making an Eviction Notice?
Now that you have made your Colorado Eviction Notice with Rocket Lawyer, you might be wondering: what now?
The next step is to serve it. You must sign the notice before serving it on the tenant(s) – and there are a few methods for serving the notice:
- Send it through certified mail with a return receipt.
- Work with a process server.
- Deliver it by hand.
Please remember that "self-help" or "DIY" evictions are illegal in Colorado. Landlords shouldn't throw out belongings, shut off utilities, change the locks, or in any way attempt to intimidate tenants in an effort to force them to move. Taking the appropriate lawful actions before and throughout the eviction process is critical to removing tenants successfully under a court order.
What happens after the notice period?
If a tenant does not pay rent or move out after the notice period, the landlord can choose to file an eviction lawsuit, also known as a Forcible Entry and Detainer lawsuit.
What are some essentials throughout the eviction process?
As you prepare to file for an eviction, it is always a good idea to work with a lawyer. An attorney with experience in evictions can answer your questions and help make sure you follow local laws and processes. Also, outside of reviewing your Eviction Notice document, your lawyer can help you prepare and argue your case once it goes in front of a judge.
In order to assemble all of your records for your lawyer, you may want to fill out an Eviction Process Worksheet. This document provides basic information about your tenant and their violation(s) of your rental agreement. You can also attach documentation, including a copy of the lease, photographs of the damage, repair estimates, written statements of witnesses, police reports, and other records to support your case.
If you need to move forward with legal action after delivering the Eviction Notice, you will need to file your lawsuit properly with the local courts. The Colorado website can tell you which documents you will need to file and what the fees might be – or you can ask a lawyer to get started and find an attorney in your state. A local lawyer with experience in evictions can help you navigate the process efficiently.
Colorado Eviction Notice FAQs
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Do I need an Eviction Notice in Colorado?
Generally speaking, yes, if you wish to remove a tenant from your Colorado rental property, you must always provide them with a Notice of Eviction first to start the process.
Some of the most common situations in which you might need one include:
- The tenant is habitually late to pay their rent or they are behind on payments.
- The tenant has caused substantial damage.
- The tenant harasses or disturbs the quiet enjoyment of their neighbors.
- The tenant is using your property for an illegal business.
- The tenant gets a dog or cat and the rental contract forbids pets.
- The tenant sublets their unit in breach of the agreement.
Outside of these violations, a renter may also be evicted for reasons unrelated to anything they’ve done wrong – like when the property owner needs to move back in.
Please note that the list above isn't exhaustive and that the acceptable reasons for evicting a tenant may be a little different from place to place. If you've got any concerns about Colorado eviction laws, reach out to a Rocket Legal Pro™.
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Do I need a lawyer if I am evicting someone in Colorado?
While you can choose to make a Colorado Eviction Notice without support from a lawyer, many landlords find having a lawyer available for questions and consultations extremely helpful.
A Rocket Legal Pro™ with experience in landlord-tenant matters can help you with evictions, or any other issues that may arise. A Rocket Legal+ membership provides significant discounts on Pro Services, including attorney consultations, and unlimited customizable and e-signable rental documents, at an incredibly low price.
As a property owner or manager, you can be confident that Rocket Lawyer is by your side.
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How do Colorado eviction laws affect me as a rental property owner?
Laws change depending on where you (and your property) are. The notice periods in Colorado, for example, might be different from the ones in other states – in fact, there might even be differences between counties and cities. All the ways the document may be served to the tenant also vary.
This is all to say that the eviction process and restrictions can be complicated to navigate, particularly when keeping in mind state-specific requirements. As a result, it is strongly recommended that every property owner connect with a lawyer when making a Notice of Eviction in Colorado – or anywhere else – to any tenant.
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How do I create a Colorado Eviction Notice template for free?
Don’t worry – you don’t have to make it all on your own: you can use the document tools on Rocket Lawyer to make a Colorado Eviction Notice for free. All you have to do is answer a few simple questions and we will put together a customized notice for you, piece by piece, and with all the details customized to your situation. This is often much less time-consuming than other solutions.
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How is a Colorado Notice to Vacate structured?
That might change a little depending on the type of Eviction Notice you may need. However, some information must always be provided. Before getting started, you might want to gather the following critical details:
- The address and description of the property.
- The renter's contact information.
- How many past due rent payments should be made (if any) to bring the tenant into compliance with the lease or rental agreement.
- Which of the lease clauses have been violated (and a copy of the Lease Agreement, in this case).
- How much time the tenant has to resolve the situation.
In the event that the tenant isn't at fault, you may want to provide more context. Further customization is permitted as well. You'll need to confirm that all of the policies and terms mentioned in the Colorado Eviction Notice are present in the fully executed rental contract.
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How much might it normally cost to evict a tenant in Colorado?
The cost of an eviction varies widely depending on your location and the specifics of the situation. Some things to consider are the cost of filing court documents, legal fees, the value of unrecovered payments, storage or cleaning fees, as well as the money and time spent finding a replacement tenant.
A Rocket Legal+ membership provides savings for some of these expenses, including unlimited customizable and e-signable rental documents, significant discounts on Pro Services, and ongoing support for your rental property business.
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How long does it take to complete the Colorado eviction process from beginning to end?
The duration of the eviction process for Colorado tenants will usually depend on the notice period required, as well as the lawsuit period if you proceed with one.
Below, you'll find a basic explanation of Colorado notice periods to get you started:
- Rent-related: 10-day notice.
- Rental contract violations: 10-day notice.
- No cause: 91-day notice if the tenant has lived in the unit for more than one year; 28-day notice if the tenant has lived in the unit for less than one year but more than six months; 21-day notice if the tenant has lived in the unit for less than six months but more than one month; 3-day notice if the tenant has lived in the unit for less than one month but more than one week; 1-day notice if the tenant has lived in the unit for less than one week.
If the tenant decides to leave before the notice period ends – which is common – the process actually becomes a lot shorter.
If that doesn’t happen, when your notice period is over, the actual eviction may take anywhere between 2 weeks and 4 months. Please note that with certain kinds of housing, for instance where rent is subsidized, the mandated notice period is often even longer.
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What are my next steps after I have made an Eviction Notice/Notice to Quit in Colorado?
After making a Colorado Eviction Notice, the next step is to serve it. You may read more about the eviction process in Colorado and everything that follows here.
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What happens after the given notice period is over in Colorado?
If a tenant does not pay rent after being given a notice, the landlord can choose to file an eviction lawsuit, also known as a Forcible Entry and Detainer lawsuit.
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