Illegal Self-Help Evictions in Colorado: Renter Protections

If you’re a renter in Colorado, understanding your rights during the eviction process is crucial. Sometimes, landlords may try to force tenants out without using the legal system—a practice known as “self-help eviction.” Knowing which actions are illegal and what steps you can take ensures you stay safe and secure in your rental home.

What Is a Self-Help Eviction?

A self-help eviction is when a landlord tries to remove a tenant without going through the formal court eviction process. This is illegal in Colorado. Only a sheriff can physically remove a tenant following a court order.

What Actions Count as Illegal Self-Help Evictions in Colorado?

According to the Colorado Revised Statutes Section 38-12-510, landlords cannot use the following methods to evict a tenant:

• Changing the locks without your consent
• Removing doors or windows
• Turning off utilities (such as water, electricity, or heat)
• Removing your belongings
• Threatening you with force or intimidation to make you leave

If your landlord tries any of these tactics, they are breaking the law. Evictions in Colorado must go through the official court process, overseen by the county court.

Legal Eviction Process in Colorado

A landlord in Colorado must follow these eviction steps:

• Give you a written eviction notice, usually a 10-Day Notice to Comply or Vacate (or a JDF 98: Notice to Quit if ending tenancy for other reasons).
• If you don’t resolve the issue or leave, the landlord must file a formal court action called a “Forcible Entry and Detainer.”
• A sheriff (not the landlord) can only remove you after a court orders an eviction.

Learn more about the court process at the Colorado County Courts, which handle residential eviction cases.

Official Eviction Forms and When to Use Them

• JDF 98: Notice to Quit
  Download from Colorado Judicial Branch
  Used by landlords to begin an eviction for reasons other than nonpayment (e.g., lease expiration). Renters might get this notice if the landlord is ending their tenancy for a specific cause.
• JDF 99: Complaint in Forcible Entry and Detainer
  Download from Colorado Judicial Branch
  Filed by landlords in county court to start a formal eviction case. You’ll be served this form if the case proceeds. Tenants should respond by attending the court hearing.
• JDF 101: Summons in Forcible Entry and Detainer
  View official summons form
  This summons is given to tenants once an eviction case is filed, notifying you of a court date and your right to be heard. Respond promptly and consider seeking legal help.

Find all current statewide forms on the Colorado Judicial Branch Forms page.

If You Experience an Illegal Lockout or Utility Shutoff

If your landlord locks you out, removes doors, or turns off essential services to force you out, you are protected by law. Here’s what to do:

• Contact your local law enforcement (such as the city police or county sheriff) immediately.
• Document what happened (photos, texts, dates, any witnesses).
• Consider filing an emergency action for re-entry in county court.
• If you suffered financial harm, you may also be able to sue for damages under Colorado tenant protection laws.

Where to Get Legal Help

You can reach out for help through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs Division of Housing. They provide a renter helpline and guidance on your rights.

FAQ: Illegal Evictions in Colorado

1. Can my landlord legally change the locks to make me move out?
   No. Lockouts without a sheriff and court order are illegal. Only law enforcement can physically evict you in Colorado.
2. What should I do if my utilities are shut off by the landlord?
   Contact utilities right away to restore service and report to your local law enforcement. You can also document the incident for a possible court complaint.
3. What forms will I receive if my landlord starts a legal eviction?
   You’ll usually get the JDF 98: Notice to Quit or a notice to comply/vacate, followed by a court summons (JDF 101) if the landlord files in court.
4. Can I sue my landlord if they use self-help eviction tactics?
   Yes. Colorado law lets tenants seek damages in civil court if the landlord tries illegal eviction methods.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways for Renters

• Self-help evictions—like lockouts or utility shutoffs—are illegal in Colorado.
• Landlords must use the formal court eviction process and cannot forcibly remove tenants themselves.
• If you experience illegal eviction tactics, contact law enforcement and reach out for legal help immediately.

Knowing your rights helps you stay secure in your home and avoid unnecessary stress or loss.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Housing: Guidance and tenant complaint resources
• Colorado County Courts: Where eviction hearings are held
• Colorado Judicial Branch – Forms
• For immediate legal support, you can also contact Colorado Legal Services

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1. Colorado Revised Statutes Section 38-12-510 – Illegal Eviction Prohibited
2. Colorado County Court – Residential Eviction Information
3. Colorado Judicial Branch Official Forms
4. Colorado Department of Local Affairs: Tenant Rights and Assistance

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