Colorado Eviction Laws

Colorado requires landlords to give 21 days notice to terminate a month-to-month tenancy and 10 days for lease violations.

Key Rules

Notice Period
21 days for month-to-month tenancy without cause
Just Cause Required
Yes — for most tenancies after 12 months (2024 law)
Cure Or Quit Period
10 days to cure lease violation; 10 days for nonpayment of rent
Local Protections
Denver and other cities have additional tenant protections

Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.

Applicable Statutes

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-40-104

Unlawful detention defined: grounds include holding over after a lease's termination or expiration, and holding over after default in rent payment, triggered by ten days notice in writing demanding rent or possession (three days for a nonresidential or employer-provided housing agreement; five days for an exempt residential agreement).

Source confirmed · Official state source

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“13-40-104. Unlawful detention defined. (1) Any person is guilty of an unlawful detention of real property in the following cases: (a) When entry is made, witho…”

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-1302

Just cause for eviction: landlords of covered residential units must have a just cause reason to terminate a tenancy after 12 months of occupancy (HB 21-1121 and 2024 amendments).

Not confirmed against its source · checked

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-40-107

Unlawful detainer proceedings: tenant must file an answer within the time specified in the summons; failure to appear results in default judgment.

Not confirmed against its source · checked

Legal Aid Resources

Colorado Legal Services

303-837-1313

Statewide Colorado

Read the Full Eviction Laws Guide

Our comprehensive guide covers federal law, common defenses, real-world examples, and what to do if your rights are being violated.

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