Colorado Eviction Notice Overview
Colorado does not use a 7-day eviction notice period. As of 2023 legislative changes, Colorado requires a 10-day noticeto pay rent or vacate under CRS 13-40-104(1)(d). This was increased from the previous 3-day period by HB 21-1121. For substantial lease violations, Colorado now requires a 10-day notice to cure under CRS 38-12-203(1)(b). Colorado's eviction process (called "forcible entry and detainer" or FED) is handled through County Court.
Colorado's landlord-tenant landscape changed significantly with HB 21-1121 (the Concerning Supportive Measures for Tenants act) which extended notice periods, required landlords to include emergency rental assistance information in eviction notices, and added other tenant protections. The 2023 Rental Application Fairness Act and other measures further strengthened tenant rights. Denver, Boulder, and other Front Range cities may have additional local protections. Colorado has 64 counties, and FED actions are filed in the county where the rental property is located.
10 Days
Notice period
$85 - $120
Filing fee
CO Code
Governing law
County
Court level
Why Colorado Uses 10 Days, Not 7
Important: Colorado Now Requires a 10-Day Notice
Colorado changed its eviction notice requirements with HB 21-1121. The state now requires a 10-day notice for non-payment of rent (up from the previous 3 days). The notice must also include information about emergency rental assistance programs. Using a 7-day notice in Colorado would not meet the statutory minimum and could result in dismissal.
Colorado Notice Periods at a Glance
- 10-Day Notice — Non-Payment (CRS 13-40-104(1)(d)): Tenant has 10 days to pay all rent owed or vacate (changed from 3 days in 2021)
- 10-Day Notice — Lease Violations (CRS 38-12-203(1)(b)): Tenant has 10 days to cure a material lease violation
- 3-Day Notice — Substantial Violations: For certain serious violations including violence or drug activity (CRS 13-40-107.5)
- 21-Day Notice — Month-to-Month (CRS 13-40-107): Either party may terminate with 21 days notice at end of rental period
Colorado Notice Requirements
Colorado courts require that eviction notices meet specific content standards. An incomplete or incorrectly timed notice will result in dismissal of the eviction case.
Required Notice Content
- Property Address: Full address including unit number, city, and zip code
- Tenant Names: All tenants named on the lease or rental agreement
- Amount Owed or Violation: Exact dollar amount of rent due, or specific description of the lease violation
- Correct Notice Period: 10 days for non-payment as required by Colorado law
- Consequence Statement: That the landlord will file eviction proceedings if the tenant does not cure or vacate
- Landlord Information: Name and contact information of the landlord or property manager
How to Serve an Eviction Notice in Colorado
Colorado law provides specific methods for serving eviction notices. Proper service and documentation are essential for the court filing.
Personal Service
Deliver the notice directly to the tenant in person. Starts the 10-day period immediately.
Posting on Premises
Post the notice on the main entry door of the rental unit. Colorado law permits this as a valid service method.
First-Class Mail
Mail via USPS first-class mail. Additional days may be required for mailing. Certified mail provides proof.
Document Everything
Prepare a certificate of service. Colorado courts require proof of proper service when you file the FED complaint.
Colorado Eviction Timeline
The Colorado eviction process follows a specific timeline from notice to enforcement.
Serve 10-day notice for non-payment (must include rental assistance information per HB 21-1121)
If tenant has not paid, file FED complaint in Colorado County Court
Court serves tenant with summons; tenant has 7 days to file an answer
Trial held; if landlord prevails, judgment of possession entered
Writ of restitution issued after 48-hour posting; sheriff executes removal
Colorado evictions typically take 5-8 weeks from notice to removal for uncontested cases. Denver County Court often has longer wait times for trial dates. Contested cases can take 2-4 months. HB 21-1121 added requirements that have somewhat lengthened the process compared to pre-2021 timelines.
Colorado Eviction Fees & Costs
Below are the typical costs for an eviction proceeding in Colorado County Court.
| Fee / Cost | Typical Amount |
|---|---|
| County Court Filing Fee | $85 - $120 |
| Service of Process | $30 - $75 |
| Writ of Restitution | $35 - $75 |
| Attorney Fees (optional) | $800 - $3,000 |
| Appeal to District Court | $200 - $300 |
Sample Colorado Eviction Notice
Below is a preview of a Colorado-compliant eviction notice that meets the requirements of CRS 13-40-104(1)(d).
10-DAY DEMAND FOR COMPLIANCE OR POSSESSION
STATE OF COLORADO
Pursuant to CRS 13-40-104(1)(d)
LANDLORD:
Name: [Full Legal Name]
Address: [Colorado Address]
TENANT(S):
Name(s): [All Tenant Names]
Rental Address: [Full Property Address]
NOTICE:
You have TEN (10) DAYS from the date of service to pay the above amount in full or vacate the premises. Emergency rental assistance may be available through Colorado's programs.
COLORADO COMPLIANCE NOTE
Colorado requires a 10-day notice for non-payment (CRS 13-40-104(1)(d)), not 7 days. The notice must also include information about emergency rental assistance programs per HB 21-1121.