Colorado's eviction laws have changed substantially in recent years. Notice periods are longer and procedure stricter than they used to be.
Colorado's eviction process is called Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) and is governed by Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13, Article 40. Cases are filed in county court at the county level. Colorado has been moving in a more tenant-protective direction in recent years, with the legislature adding mandatory mediation for some evictions and expanded notice periods. Uncontested cases typically take five to seven weeks; contested cases significantly longer.
FED cases are filed in the county court of the county where the property is located. Some counties also have specialized housing dockets or designated FED days that streamline scheduling. Colorado law also provides special protections for certain tenant categories including those receiving certain government benefits.
For non-payment of rent, Colorado requires a 10-day written demand for compliance or possession (Demand for Compliance or Possession). This notice was extended from three days under a 2021 reform. The notice must state the exact amount owed and inform the tenant of their right to cure by paying within ten days.
For substantial lease violations, Colorado generally requires a 10-day notice to cure or quit, though specific timeframes vary based on the violation type. For repeat violations of the same provision within six months, no cure period is required.
For month-to-month tenancies without cause, Colorado now requires 21 days written notice (recently increased from 7 days). Deliver notices by personal service or by posting AND mailing. Posting alone is no longer sufficient under current Colorado law.
Once the notice period expires without compliance, file an FED complaint in the county court of the county where the property is located. Filing fees in Colorado are typically $97 to $135 depending on the case value. The court will issue a summons that must be served by a sheriff or process server at least 7 days before the return date.
Colorado also requires landlords of certain government-subsidized properties to participate in the state's eviction mediation program before proceeding to court. Failing to comply with mediation requirements where they apply can result in dismissal.
Colorado county court hearings in FED cases are typically scheduled on designated FED days. The judge will hear both sides and may issue judgment the same day or take it under advisement. Colorado law requires landlords to prove the case by a preponderance of the evidence.
If you prevail, the writ of restitution is issued after a brief stay period — typically 48 hours. The tenant has limited appeal rights but can request a stay of execution for hardship.
The City and County of Denver is Colorado's most populous jurisdiction and handles the highest volume of FED cases in the state. Denver County Court processes eviction cases at the Lindsey-Flanigan Courthouse downtown. The City of Denver also has its own additional protections including a Right to Counsel program for tenants in certain income categories, which has increased contested cases.
El Paso County, anchored by Colorado Springs, is Colorado's second-largest county. FED filings go to the El Paso County Court in Colorado Springs. Both jurisdictions follow standard Colorado FED procedure but local court practices and case scheduling vary. For detailed landlord-tenant law specific to each county — including local notice variations, court contacts, and filing logistics — see Denver County landlord-tenant law and El Paso County landlord-tenant law.
Colorado's eviction laws have changed significantly in recent years, with longer notice periods, mandatory mediation requirements for some cases, and expanded tenant protections. Operating on outdated notice templates is a common reason cases get dismissed. See the complete Colorado landlord-tenant law guide for current notice requirements, security deposit rules, and county-specific information across all 64 Colorado counties.
Once the writ of restitution is issued, the county sheriff executes the writ. Execution typically occurs within 7 to 14 days. Be present with a locksmith and document the unit's condition with photographs.
Colorado has specific rules for handling tenant property left behind after eviction. You must provide notice and a reasonable opportunity to retrieve property before disposal. Keep detailed inventory and photographic records.