As a landlord in Boulder, CO, you know that evictions can have long-lasting consequences for tenants. That's why you're often kind with late payments or broken rules. But sometimes, you have to think about what's best for you.
If a tenant isn't reliable, it can hurt your business. Evictions help you recoup your losses by making room for new, trustworthy renters. Read on to learn important facts that can help you with evictions in Colorado.
Types of Eviction Notices
In Colorado, a landlord can evict a tenant for not paying rent on time. To do so, the landlord must first serve the tenant a notice to vacate or pay. This notice allows the tenant to pay the balance due, renew their lease, or move out.
If a landlord wants to terminate a tenant's stay because they haven't paid rent, a 10-day notice is usually required. However, the notice period can vary depending on certain factors.
For instance, if the landlord owns five or fewer rental properties, then they must give a 5-day notice to pay. Furthermore, if the tenant's housing is provided by their employer, landlords must give a 3-day notice to pay.
Lease Violation
For a standard lease violation in Colorado, landlords can give a 10-day notice. This notice must inform the tenant of the breach in their lease agreement. The tenant can either rectify the issue or face potential eviction proceedings.
Writing an Eviction Notice
If you're crafting an eviction letter, outline the reason for the eviction and give enough time for the tenant to fix the issue. The eviction notice should also state the total amount of rent due (if applicable). The date by which the tenant must either pay or vacate the property should be in the notes, too.
Court Proceedings
If the tenant has not remedied the problem or moved out after the designated notice period, you can proceed to file a lawsuit in court. Court proceedings start with filing a complaint and summons at the county courthouse where your property is located.
The court will pick a day to talk about the issue. As the landlord, you must serve the court documents to the tenant.
Following a Court Order
Once a court issues an order for eviction, the tenant will be given a final date by which they must vacate the property. If the tenant still refuses to leave, the local sheriff's department will remove them. You might be eager to regain control of your property, but evicting a tenant yourself is illegal.
Abiding by the Law
As a landlord, you can never remove a tenant's belongings, change locks, or shut off utilities to force a tenant out. Such actions are 'self-help' evictions and are illegal in Colorado. Always adhere to Colorado eviction laws to safeguard your position.
Making Evictions Straightforward
We've unpacked the steps for legal evictions in Boulder, CO, from serving the right notice to handling court hearings. It's about treating everyone fairly and keeping things clear-cut.
With over two decades in the business, we've learned the ins and outs of tackling evictions. Plus, our eviction protection plans give you extra security. Contact PMI Coal Creek today, and we'll help simplify your Colorado eviction process.
