Colorado Eviction Lawyers

As a landlord or property owner in Colorado, you must comply with state eviction laws when dealing with tenants who violate lease agreements, fail to pay rent, or otherwise breach their obligations. At Baker Law Group, we provide strategic and legally sound eviction representation to landlords, guiding them through the complex legal process efficiently and effectively. Whether you need to initiate an eviction, handle an unlawful detainer lawsuit, or respond to a tenant’s legal challenge, our experienced eviction attorneys are here to protect your rights.

Eviction Process Overview for Colorado Landlords

Colorado eviction law, governed by C.R.S. Title 13, Article 40, outlines the specific procedures landlords must follow when removing tenants. Failure to adhere to these legal requirements can result in costly delays, dismissed cases, or tenant claims against you. To legally evict a tenant in Colorado, landlords must have just cause and follow a prescribed process, which includes:

Step 1: Serving a Notice to Quit or Demand for Compliance

The eviction process in Colorado begins by serving the tenant a legally compliant notice. For unpaid rent, landlords typically issue a 10-day Demand for Compliance or Possession, clearly specifying the amount due and the deadline. For other lease violations, landlords generally serve a 3-day Notice to Quit, outlining the breach and required corrective action or timeline for leaving the property.

Step 2: Filing a Forcible Entry & Detainer (FED) Eviction Lawsuit

If the tenant does not comply with the initial notice, the landlord must file a Forcible Entry & Detainer (FED) lawsuit with the appropriate Colorado court. This legal action formally requests eviction. Filing involves submitting required documentation, paying applicable court fees, and obtaining a scheduled court date for the eviction hearing.

Step 3: Court Hearing and Obtaining a Judgment for Possession

At the scheduled court hearing, both the landlord and the tenant presented evidence supporting their positions. The judge will evaluate compliance with Colorado eviction laws and the validity of claims. If the landlord’s case is upheld, the court issues a judgment for possession, legally authorizing the landlord to proceed with eviction.

Step 4: Writ of Restitution and Tenant Removal Procedure

Once the judgment for possession is granted, the landlord can request a Writ of Restitution from the court. This writ authorizes local law enforcement to remove the tenant physically if they do not voluntarily vacate the premises. After law enforcement executes the writ, landlords can regain legal possession and change locks to secure the property.

Colorado Eviction Notice Requirements

Before filing for eviction in Colorado, landlords must serve tenants proper written notice, clearly stating the reason for eviction and allowing tenants a specified time frame to resolve the issue or vacate the premises. Serving legally compliant eviction notices is crucial to avoid delays and ensure a smooth eviction process.

10-Day Demand for Compliance or Possession (Nonpayment of Rent)

In Colorado, if your tenant fails to pay rent on time, you must issue a “10-Day Demand for Compliance or Possession” notice. This notice informs the tenant that they have 10 days to either pay all overdue rent or vacate the rental property. If the tenant pays within the required period, eviction proceedings cannot proceed. If they fail to comply, the landlord may file an eviction lawsuit.

Notice to Quit for Lease Violations

When a tenant violates terms outlined in the lease agreement, such as unauthorized pets, property damage, or illegal activities, a landlord must provide a clear and specific “Notice to Quit” or “Demand for Compliance.” This notice typically provides a 10-day period for the tenant to correct the lease violation or leave the property. If the violation is severe or poses an immediate danger, landlords may serve a shorter notice period, as permitted by Colorado law, before initiating eviction proceedings.

Notice Periods for Terminating Month-to-Month Tenancies (No-Cause Evictions)

Colorado landlords who wish to terminate a month-to-month tenancy without specific cause must provide the tenant with proper advance notice. Under current Colorado law:

• Landlords must provide 91 days’ advance notice if the tenant has occupied the rental for one year or longer.

• A 28-day advance notice is required if the tenant has occupied the rental for over six months but less than one year.

• For tenancies lasting one to six months, a 21-day notice is mandatory.

• For tenancies of less than one month, landlords must give at least a 3-day notice.

Providing the correct notice period is essential to avoid legal setbacks and unnecessary complications in the eviction process.

Common Reasons for Eviction in Colorado

At Baker Law Group, we assist landlords with legally evicting tenants based on common issues outlined by Colorado law. Below are some of the most frequent reasons landlords initiate eviction proceedings:

Nonpayment of Rent

Colorado law requires landlords to serve a 10-day Demand for Compliance or Possession notice when tenants fail to pay rent. If the tenant doesn’t pay within this period, landlords can file an eviction lawsuit to regain possession of their property.

Lease Violations

Tenants who violate specific terms of their lease—such as unauthorized subletting, damaging rental property, or participating in illegal activities—can be legally evicted after receiving proper notice, usually a 10-day Demand for Compliance or Quit.

Holdover Tenants

If a tenant remains on the property after their lease has expired without the landlord’s consent, landlords have the right to initiate eviction proceedings to remove these holdover tenants and regain full control of their property.

Health or Safety Violations

Landlords may pursue expedited eviction proceedings if a tenant’s behavior poses a serious risk to the safety or health of other residents or causes significant property damage. In these cases, quick legal action helps landlords mitigate risks and protect their investments.

Avoid Costly Eviction Mistakes

Colorado law imposes strict rules on landlords, and even minor missteps can result in legal setbacks. Common mistakes include:

• Attempting self-help evictions (e.g., changing locks, shutting off utilities) which are illegal under C.R.S. § 38-12-510.

• Failing to provide proper notice can invalidate an eviction case.

• Not following due process, leading to potential tenant lawsuits and financial penalties.

Avoid these pitfalls by working with Baker Law Group, where we handle evictions with legal precision and efficiency.

Why Choose Baker Law Group for Your Eviction Case?

Landlords and property owners in Colorado trust Baker Law Group for our deep understanding of landlord-tenant law and our dedication to resolving eviction matters efficiently. Our legal team offers:

• Comprehensive Legal Guidance: We ensure landlords follow all necessary legal steps to avoid costly errors.

• Aggressive Representation: If tenants contest an eviction, we advocate strongly on behalf of property owners.

• Courtroom Advocacy: We handle all aspects of eviction litigation, from filing lawsuits to appearing in court on your behalf.

• Lease Drafting & Risk Prevention: We help landlords create solid lease agreements to prevent disputes before they arise.

Contact a Colorado Eviction Lawyer

If you are a landlord or property owner in Colorado facing a difficult tenant situation, contact Baker Law Group for help. Our experienced eviction attorneys will guide you through the legal process, protect your property rights, and ensure compliance with all Colorado eviction laws.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the next step toward resolving your eviction case effectively.