Colorado Eviction Law at a Glance
State Statute
Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-40-104 — Colorado Forcible Entry and Detainer Act
Notice Periods
- Nonpayment: 10-Day Pay or Quit
- Lease violation: 10-Day Cure or Quit
- Unconditional: 3-Day Unconditional Quit (Substantial Violation)
- End of tenancy: 21-Day Notice to Vacate
Available Defenses
- Habitability (Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-503)
- Retaliation (Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-509)
- Procedural defects
- Partial payment waiver
- Discrimination (Fair Housing Act)
Right to Cure
YES — Tenant has 10 days to pay past-due rent or cure lease violations
Self-Help Eviction
PROHIBITED — Landlord must use court process (Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-510)
Court & Filing
County Court
Landlord must file forcible entry and detainer (FED) action in county court
Complaints: Colorado Attorney General Consumer Protection Section
Additional Protections
- Landlord must provide written demand with specific amount owed for nonpayment evictions
- Self-help eviction is prohibited and can result in landlord liability
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Colorado Eviction Response FAQ
How many days do I have to respond to an eviction notice in Colorado?
In Colorado, the response deadline depends on the type of eviction notice: Nonpayment: 10-Day Pay or Quit; Lease violation: 10-Day Cure or Quit; Unconditional: 3-Day Unconditional Quit (Substantial Violation); End of tenancy: 21-Day Notice to Vacate. Missing your deadline can result in a default judgment and forced move-out.
What defenses can I raise against eviction in Colorado?
Available defenses in Colorado include: Habitability (Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-503), Retaliation (Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-509), Procedural defects, Partial payment waiver, Discrimination (Fair Housing Act). The availability depends on your specific circumstances.
Does Colorado require landlords to give tenants a right to cure?
Yes. Tenant has 10 days to pay past-due rent or cure lease violations
Can my landlord evict me without going to court in Colorado?
No. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-510, self-help eviction is prohibited in Colorado. Your landlord must file in County Court and obtain a judgment.
What should I include in an eviction response letter in Colorado?
Your letter should: (1) identify the notice by date and type, (2) cite Colo. Rev. Stat. §13-40-104, (3) assert applicable defenses, (4) demand proper legal procedure, (5) state your intent to defend in court, and (6) be sent via certified mail.
Where can I file a complaint against my landlord in Colorado?
File complaints with the Colorado Attorney General Consumer Protection Section and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For illegal self-help eviction, contact local law enforcement.
Eviction Response Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific protections.