Colorado COVID-19 Eviction Protections: What Renters Need to Know

If you’re a renter in Colorado wondering about ongoing COVID-19 eviction protections and your rights, you’re not alone. While many emergency measures have ended, some renter protections remain in place thanks to state laws and orders. This guide explains what’s still in effect, how to protect yourself from eviction, and what steps you can take if you receive an eviction notice.

Current COVID-19 Related Eviction Protections in Colorado

As of 2024, most federal COVID-19 eviction moratoriums have expired. However, Colorado has enacted several renter safeguards since the pandemic that impact eviction processes or protections related to nonpayment of rent and lease violations.

• Extended Notice Periods: Landlords must provide at least 10 days’ notice (instead of 3) before filing an eviction for nonpayment of rent. Colorado House Bill 19-1118 established this longer notice window statewide.
• Right to Cure: You have up to 10 days to pay overdue rent or fix a lease violation before a landlord can proceed with eviction.
  
  If you receive a written notice to pay rent or cure a violation, act promptly and respond in writing if possible.
• Rental Assistance: Programs created during the pandemic, like the Colorado Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP), have largely closed to new applications but may offer resources for renters in some cases. Learn more from the Colorado Department of Local Affairs (DOLA).

What This Means for Colorado Renters

If you face an eviction for missed rent payments, you now get more time to resolve the problem. Landlords must follow these procedures strictly—if not, they may not be able to proceed with eviction in court.

Filing and Responding to Eviction Notices: Forms You Need

If you receive an eviction notice related to nonpayment or a lease issue, here are the key forms and steps to understand:

• Demand for Compliance or Right to Possession Notice (Form JDF 101):
  - Used by landlords to notify renters of unpaid rent or lease violations and to provide the required 10-day notice period.
  - If you receive this, you have 10 days to pay overdue rent or correct the issue to stop eviction proceedings.
  - View and download Form JDF 101 from the Colorado Judicial Branch.
• Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure (Form JDF 95):
  - If the landlord files an eviction lawsuit (called a “Forcible Entry and Detainer” action), you’ll be served with a summons and complaint.
  - Use this form to respond to the lawsuit and present your side to the court.
  - Download Form JDF 95 here from the official Colorado Courts site.

It’s important to respond to all court documents on time. Not responding can allow the court to issue an eviction order against you by default.

Which Tribunal Handles Evictions?

The court responsible for hearing eviction cases in Colorado is your local County or District Court. All official forms and instructions are available from the Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Center.

Relevant Colorado Tenancy Legislation

The key laws affecting residential eviction proceedings in Colorado are found in the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 12—Landlord and Tenant. HB19-1118 and follow-up provisions strengthened notice and grace period protections in recent years.

Practical Example

Suppose your landlord gives you a written notice for unpaid rent using Form JDF 101. You check the date and see you have 10 days to pay the outstanding amount in full. If you pay on day 6, the landlord cannot proceed to file for eviction. If you do not pay or respond, and you receive court papers, promptly use Form JDF 95 to submit your answer and explain your situation in court.

1. What eviction protections remain for renters in Colorado after COVID-19?
   Colorado keeps a 10-day notice period for nonpayment and lease violation evictions, and a right to cure any lease violation within those 10 days. Most federal programs have ended.
2. Is there any rental assistance still available in Colorado?
   Most large-scale programs like the Emergency Rental Assistance Program have closed, but some local programs may offer ongoing help. Contact DOLA or your city housing office for options.
3. How do I respond to an eviction lawsuit in Colorado?
   Use the Answer Under Simplified Procedure (Form JDF 95) and file it with the court by the deadline stated in your summons. Include your reasons and any defenses.
4. What if my landlord doesn’t follow the proper eviction process?
   The court may dismiss the case if the landlord did not provide a valid 10-day notice or failed to use required forms. You can mention this in your court answer and bring it up at your hearing.
5. Where can I get more help with eviction or rental disputes?
   The Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Center, local legal aid, and the Department of Local Affairs all provide renter guidance and information.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help Center — Court instructions and all official forms
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing — Renter assistance and housing resources
• Colorado Legal Services — Free or low-cost legal help for renters facing eviction
• Colorado Civil Rights Division — Help with housing discrimination or harassment issues

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 12 - Landlord and Tenant
2. Colorado House Bill 19-1118 (Eviction Notice Law)
3. JDF 101 Demand for Compliance or Right to Possession Notice - Official Colorado Courts Form
4. JDF 95 Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure - Official Colorado Courts Form
5. Colorado Department of Local Affairs Emergency Rental Assistance

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