Colorado Eviction Notice Types: 30-Day vs 7-Day Notices Explained

If you’re renting in Colorado and facing the possibility of eviction, it’s important to know the difference between a 30-day and a 7-day notice. Each serves a different purpose under Colorado rental law, and understanding which notice applies to your situation helps you respond appropriately and protect your rights.

What Is an Eviction Notice?

An eviction notice is a formal written document that a landlord must give to a renter before they can start the eviction process. In Colorado, the most common types are the 30-day and the 7-day notices. Each notice type has strict requirements under state law about when and how it must be given.

Key Differences: 30-Day vs. 7-Day Eviction Notices in Colorado

Colorado law recognizes different eviction notices depending on the situation. Here’s how they compare:

• 30-Day Notice: Usually given when a landlord or tenant wants to end a month-to-month rental agreement for any legal reason—not necessarily for lease violations.
• 7-Day Notice: Most often used when the renter is behind on rent, has significantly broken the lease, or committed another violation that could cause eviction.

Landlords must use the correct notice, and you’ll have different options and timelines to respond, depending on which one you receive.

When is a 30-Day Notice Used?

• Ending a month-to-month tenancy for any lawful reason
• Does not require the landlord to claim the renter did something wrong
• Gives you at least 30 days before you need to move

For example, if your landlord decides to stop renting out your apartment after your lease term is up or if there is no lease in place, they can issue you a 30-day notice to vacate.

When is a 7-Day Notice Used?

• Nonpayment of rent (if you’re late on rent)
• Serious lease violations (such as unauthorized tenants, substantial property damage, or illegal activity)
• Typically gives you 7 days to fix ("cure") certain problems, like paying overdue rent

For nonpayment of rent or many lease breaches, you will get a 7-Day Notice, which can allow you to pay what’s owed or correct the issue within a week to avoid eviction.

Official Colorado Eviction Notice Forms

• Notice to Quit (JDF 97): Used for both 30-day and 7-day notices, depending on how it's filled out.
  
  • When to use: Landlords must use this form to give you written notice before starting most eviction cases—including for both month-to-month terminations and lease violations.
  • Example: If your month-to-month lease is ending and your landlord wants you to move out, they complete JDF 97 with a 30-day timeframe.
  • Official form and instructions: Colorado Courts - Notice to Quit (JDF 97)
• Demand for Compliance or Possession (JDF 101): Typically used for 7-day notices when rent is late or rules are broken.
  
  • When to use: Landlords use this to request you fix the problem (like paying late rent) within 7 days or move out.
  • Example: You receive JDF 101 after missing a rent payment; you have 7 days to pay or move before any court action can start.
  • Official form and instructions: Colorado Courts - Demand for Compliance or Possession (JDF 101)

Important: Forms must be filled out and delivered correctly. Your landlord must follow all state procedures for the notice to be valid.

How Much Notice Am I Entitled To?

Colorado law sets the minimum time a landlord must give before ending your tenancy or starting court eviction proceedings. The timeframe depends on your lease type and the reason for eviction:

• 30 days for ending most month-to-month agreements
• 7 days for nonpayment or major lease violations (with a chance to correct some issues)

Your Rights and Next Steps

If you get a 30-day or 7-day notice, you have the right to:

• Request the reason for the notice in writing
• Fix a problem (if the notice allows it)
• Get a court hearing if you remain after the notice period (your landlord cannot physically remove you without a court order)

If you want to challenge a notice or believe it was issued in error, you can present your case before the court. The main tribunal for residential tenancies in Colorado is the Colorado County Court system, which manages eviction cases (sometimes called "forcible entry and detainer").

Relevant Colorado Tenant Laws

• Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 12 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act ^[1]
• Colorado Judicial Branch – Landlord/Tenant Forms & Instructions

The above links allow you to view the official state law and download the latest approved forms for landlords and renters.

Common Renter Questions about Colorado Eviction Notices

1. Can a landlord evict me without giving any written notice?
   No. Colorado law requires landlords to give formal written notice—either 30 days or 7 days, depending on the reason—before starting an eviction in court.
2. If I pay late rent within the 7-day notice period, can the landlord still evict me?
   Usually, if you pay all the overdue rent within 7 days after receiving the notice, the landlord cannot proceed with eviction for nonpayment for that month.
3. Do I have to move out on the exact day the notice ends?
   Not necessarily. If you do not leave or resolve the issue, your landlord must file a court case to actually evict you. You cannot be forced out without a legal process.
4. What if I never received any eviction paperwork?
   Landlords must deliver notices properly (often by hand or certified mail). If you never received a notice, you can bring this up as a defense in court.
5. Can I challenge an eviction notice I believe is unfair?
   Yes. You have the right to present your side in court and offer any defenses or proof you have.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado County Court Directory – handles eviction (FED) hearings
• Colorado Legal Services – Housing Help – free or low-cost legal assistance
• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Rental Assistance & Information
• Colorado General Assembly – Legislation & Statutes

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1. [1] See Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 12 – Residential Landlord and Tenant Act
2. Colorado Courts Official Landlord/Tenant Forms

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