According to Colorado Hard Money Lenders, eviction filings in Colorado have surged to over 70,000 this year, up from around 55,000 in 2023.
Most of these evictions are messy and costly. Many landlords in Colorado Springs don't know the right procedure to evict a tenant. They make mistakes that often violate a tenant's rights.
So, as one of these landlords, what can you do to avoid these challenges? Here are three key steps to navigate evictions efficiently in Colorado Springs.
Understand Colorado Eviction Laws and Tenant Rights
Landlords need to understand legally valid reasons for evictions in Colorado, such as:
- Non-payment of rent
- End of lease term
- Property damage
- Nuisance or Disturbance
- Illegal activity
- Refusal to allow access
Once you determine the grounds for eviction, the next step is to uncover the notice requirements. According to Nolo, a 10-day notice is required for non-payment of rent, while other lease violations may have different notice periods.
As a landlord, ensure you keep all records, including notices and communications. You may need to present these documents in the event of a court hearing.
If doubtful about the records you require, consider seeking eviction legal advice. Find out landlord eviction rights and how you can protect them.
Serve Notice Properly
Colorado has different types of notices depending on the reason for eviction, such as "Demand for Compliance" for lease violations or non-payment. This notice informs the tenant they have a certain amount of time to resolve the issue or face eviction.
For tenants on a month-to-month lease, a "Notice to Quit" is usually served, which gives them a specific time to vacate the property. The notice does not have an option to resolve the violation.
How you serve the notice in Colorado can affect the tenant eviction process. You should deliver it personally to the tenant or post it in a visible location on their door if they're unavailable. Ensure you properly document the delivery method, such as by taking a photo of the posted notice.
Colorado law mandates a cure period for certain evictions. This period gives a tenant an opportunity to resolve the lease violation.
File for Eviction in Court if Necessary
If the tenant fails to fix the issues even after giving them the cure period, the next step is filing the eviction in court. Bring all necessary documentation, including:
- Lease agreements
- Notices served
- Communication records
As the landlord, you must attend the eviction hearing. Be prepared to present your case factually and clearly to the judge.
If the judge rules in your favor, you may request a writ of restitution. This document allows law enforcement to proceed with the eviction if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily.
Involve a Property Management Company to Simplify Evictions
Partnering with a property management company can streamline evictions in Colorado Springs. With experience in Colorado's eviction laws, professional support ensures notices are correctly served and legal procedures are followed.
For reliable assistance with evictions, consider Colorado Casa PMI. Our team can help you simplify property management evictions, protecting your investment and saving you time.
Contact us today to learn how our eviction solutions can support your rental property.
