[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#B7410E” background_image=”https:\/\/www.coloradolegalservices.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/CLS_ARTWORK_8.png” background_position=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style=”on” background_mask_style=”wave” background_mask_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9)” background_last_edited=”on|desktop” use_background_color_gradient_tablet=”on” background_color_gradient_stops_tablet=”rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 0%|rgba(255,255,255,0.9) 100%” background_color_gradient_overlays_image_tablet=”on” background_position_tablet=”bottom_center” background_enable_mask_style_tablet=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”|–et_global_heading_font_weight|||||||” header_font_size=”24px” custom_margin=”||5px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_heading title=”Evictions” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][dmpro_breadcrumbs bc_custom_home=”on” bc_home_text=”Home” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”-30px|||5px|false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dmpro_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_enable_color=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”What is an Eviction?” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If your landlord wants to remove you from their rental property, the law makes them go through a specific process in a court called an eviction.<\/p>\n
Under the law, your landlord cannot force you out without going through this process.<\/p>\n
An eviction is a court-ordered removal of a tenant and their belongings from a property. This is the only way your landlord can remove you from the property. A landlord cannot evict a tenant without a court order, also called a \u201cjudgment\u201d, and a landlord cannot get a judgment without following all the steps of the eviction process properly.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#F3F3F3″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Eviction Process” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
The eviction process starts before your landlord starts a case in court. Before your landlord can start an eviction in court, they must give you a written notice telling you why they are trying to evict you. If your landlord is trying to evict you because your lease has expired, certain restrictions may apply. Your landlord may have to give you additional time to move if they do not have a valid reason to file a \u201cno-fault\u201d eviction against you.\u00a0<\/p>\n
You do not have to move until a court orders an eviction and a sheriff\u2019s deputy carries out, or \u201cexecutes\u201d the eviction. Evictions usually do not happen until at least ten days after the court gives the order.<\/p>\n
If you receive certain benefits, like Social Security or cash assistance through the Colorado Works program, also known as, TANF, you might have the right to Mandatory Mediation before your landlord can file an eviction in court.\u00a0<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_blurb _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” custom_padding=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_tablet=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_phone=”30px|30px|30px|30px|true|true” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
If the court enters a judgment against you, it will show up on your record. Potential landlords may refuse to rent to you in the future if you have an eviction judgment on your record.<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#FFFFFF” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Eviction FAQs” _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_level=”h2″ title_font_size=”36px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”When Can My Landlord Evict Me?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.2″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
When you signed your lease, you agreed to pay a certain amount to your landlord in exchange for being able to live on the property. If you don\u2019t pay your rent, your landlord can try to evict you for not holding up your end of the deal. For more about these kinds of evictions, see the \u201cDemand for Compliance Nonpayment of Rent\u201d packet.<\/p>\n
In this case, your landlord has to give you 10 days of notice (there are some exceptions to the 10 day rule \u2013 see the packet for more information), called a \u201cDemand for Rent or Possession\u201d, to either pay what you owe or move out. If you can\u2019t or don\u2019t pay or move out within 10 days of getting this notice, your landlord can file an eviction in court. Your landlord cannot file an eviction in court earlier.<\/p>\n
Even if your landlord files the case, you still have a right to pay what you owe up until the court issues the eviction. If you pay what you owe before the court issues the eviction, your landlord can\u2019t evict you for nonpayment of rent.<\/p>\n
When you signed your lease, you agreed to follow the rules, or \u201cterms\u201d in the lease. If you don\u2019t follow the rules in your lease, your landlord can try to evict you. For more information about these kinds of evictions, see the \u201cDemand for Compliance for Lease Violations\u201d packet.<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s your first violation, your landlord has to give you a written notice that gives you 10 days to fix the violation or move out. This notice is called a \u201cDemand for Compliance or Possession.\u201d If you don\u2019t fix the violation, or move out, within 10 days of getting the notice, your landlord can file an eviction against you.<\/p>\n
If it\u2019s your second violation of the same part of the lease<\/span>, your landlord does not<\/strong> have to give you time to fix the violation. This notice is called a \u201cNotice to Quit for Repeat Violation,\u201d and it gives you 10 days to move out. If you don\u2019t move out within 10 days, your landlord can file an eviction against you.<\/p>\n If your violation is substantial<\/strong>, which means a violation involving criminal or illegal activity, drugs, or harm to people, your landlord does not have to give you time to fix the violation. The law only requires your landlord to give you a 3-day notice to move out, called a \u201cNotice to Quit for Substantial Violation.\u201d If you don\u2019t move out within 3 days, your landlord can file an eviction against you.<\/p>\n Some leases will have terms that say one side needs to give a notice to the other for the lease to end. Other leases might just end when the lease is over without any notice needed.<\/p>\n If your lease ends at the end of a specific time period and you do not qualify for protections under the \u201cNo Fault\u201d eviction statute, then you have to move and neither you nor your landlord need to give any notice other than what is in the lease. If the lease has ended and you do not qualify for protections under the \u201cNo Fault\u201d eviciton statute, either you or your landlord can end the lease, or choose not to renew it, for any reason. It\u2019s important that you read your lease carefully and note what your lease says about its length and moving out.<\/p>\n If your lease is month-to-month<\/strong>, this means that you aren\u2019t guaranteed a certain number of months, unless your lease says otherwise.<\/p>\n There are also several reasons your landlord might file a \u201cno-fault\u201d eviction against you, such as planned renovation or demolition of the property, intent to move a family member into the property, plans to sell the property, a tenant\u2019s refusal to sign a reasonable new lease, or a history of not paying rent on time. If your landlord files an eviction against you for one of these reasons, and you haven\u2019t done anything else wrong, your landlord usually has to give you at least 90 days\u2019 notice before filing a lawsuit to have you evicted. Please see the \u201cNo-Fault Evictions\u201d fact sheet for more details if your lease is ending or you are being evicted for one of these reasons.<\/p>\n If you have given your landlord a notice that you are terminating your lease and moving and you do not move out, your landlord can file an eviction case against you.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][et_pb_toggle title=”What Are My Options? (Other Than Fighting In Court)” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_phone=”||-15px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|tablet” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you got a Demand for Nonpayment<\/strong> of Rent: pay the full amount of rent your landlord demanded within the amount of time provided. Your landlord must typically give you at least 10 days to pay, but landlords that receive certain federal benefits or have federally backed mortgages often have to give you 30 days. If you pay all of what you owe, your landlord can\u2019t file the eviction against you since you have held up your end of the lease.<\/p>\n If you got a Demand for Compliance:<\/strong> fix the problem causing the lease violation within 10 days of getting the demand. If you fix the violation, or \u201ccome into compliance\u201d your landlord can\u2019t file the eviction against you for the problem.<\/p>\n Whatever you do to comply with the demand, it is important to keep as much proof as possible that you did so, in case your landlord sues you even though you complied.<\/p>\n If you decide to move out, within 10 days of getting the demand you should:<\/p>\n If you decide to move out, your landlord can\u2019t evict you, but they can still sue you for unpaid rent, for damage to the property, and for breaking your lease.<\/strong><\/p>\n What this looks like can change depending on your lease and the problem. You could agree with your landlord to change the terms of your lease, agree that the lease will end early, agree to add a person to your lease, or any other outcome you and your landlord agree to.<\/p>\n If you can, make sure any agreement that you make with your landlord is in writing, and signed by both you and your landlord.<\/p>\n If you receive certain benefits, you might have the right to Mandatory Mediation before your landlord can file an eviction in court.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.26.1″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_toggle title=”What happens if I go to court for an eviction?” open_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ open_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” closed_toggle_text_color=”#000000″ closed_toggle_background_color=”#FFFFFF” icon_color=”#0C3F49″ open_icon_color=”#0C3F49″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” title_text_color=”#000000″ title_level=”h6″ title_font_size=”18px” custom_margin=”||15px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n If you don’t comply with the demand or move out within the time period given in your notice, your landlord can file an eviction case in the court.<\/p>\n If you would like to know more about this process, see the \u201cEvictions in Court\u201d packet.<\/p>\n You will be served with a \u201cSummons,\u201d which is a notice to you that you are being sued. With your Summons, you will also be served a \u201cComplaint,\u201d which is a court form that explains to you why you are being sued, and for how much.<\/p>\n Your landlord is NOT allowed to force you out of your home without going to court and getting a court order.<\/strong> If your landlord tries to kick you out without going through an eviction case in the court, you should call an attorney or the sheriff\u2019s department. Forcing you out of your home without a court order could be an illegal eviction or illegal lockout.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_heading title=”Courthouse eviction clinics” _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_heading][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.6″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]Colorado Legal Services staff offer free eviction clinics for renters with a court summons for an eviction.<\/p>\n NOTE: The clinics are only available to help people on or before the day of their court summons.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Adams<\/strong> Arapahoe<\/strong> Broomfield<\/strong> Applicants should check in downstairs with the clerks, who can direct them to the clinic.<\/p>\n Denver (subsidized tenants)<\/strong> El Paso County<\/strong> Fort Collins<\/strong> Non-CLS eviction clinics<\/strong> Tenant Rights in Colorado3. Your lease ended<\/h4>\n
Comply with the Demand<\/h4>\n
2. Move out before an eviction is filed against you<\/h4>\n
\n
\n
3. Negotiate with your landlord<\/h4>\n
4. Go to Mandatory Mediation<\/h4>\n
\n8-11 a.m. Wednesday and Friday
\nJustice Center, 1100 Judicial Center Drive, Brighton (6th floor, next to Division 1, Room 626)<\/p>\n
\n9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday
\n1790 West Littleton Blvd., Littleton (2nd floor outside courtroom A2)<\/p>\n
\n8-11:30 a.m. Thursday
\nBroomfield County Courthouse, 17 Descombes Drive, Broomfield (2nd floor)<\/p>\n
\n8-11 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (public, project-based section 8, or housing choice vouchers only)
\nCity and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Denver (Room 179)<\/p>\n
\n8:30-11:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday
\n270 South Tejon St, Room W-165,Colorado Springs<\/p>\n
\n9 a.m. to noon Thursdays
\nLarimer County Justice Center, 201 LaPorte Avenue, Fort Collins<\/p>\n
\nDenver (private and Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program tenants):
\nOther organizations not affiliated with CLS have clinics who may be able to assist: Colorado Affordable Legal Services on Monday, Colorado Economic Defense Project on Tuesday and Wednesday, and Colorado Poverty Law Project on Thursday and Friday.
\nAll days 8 a.m. to Noon
\nCity and County Building, 1437 Bannock Street, Denver (Room 163)[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"