Colorado Left-Behind Property: Abandonment Rules Explained

If you’re a renter in Colorado about to move out or end your lease, it’s important to understand what happens if you leave personal belongings behind. Colorado law sets out specific rules for abandoned property, outlining your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities. Getting clear on these rules can help you avoid unwanted charges, disputes, or loss of property when moving out.

What Is Considered Abandoned Property in Colorado?

Abandoned property refers to any personal items that a renter leaves behind after moving out or being evicted. In Colorado, items are typically considered abandoned if:

• The rental agreement has ended (due to lease expiration, notice, or eviction);
• You’ve physically vacated the residence and returned the keys; or
• The landlord has regained possession following a court order or sheriff eviction.

Colorado’s laws on abandoned property are found in the Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 38, Article 20 ^[1].

Landlord Responsibilities for Left-Behind Property

Before landlords can dispose of or keep abandoned property, the law requires them to take certain actions:

• Reasonable Storage: The landlord must make a reasonable effort to store your property in a safe place after you move out. They are not required to pay movers or relocate large/dangerous items.
• Notice: Landlords must send you notice of abandoned property. The notice should describe the items, where they’re held, how to reclaim them, and that unclaimed property will be disposed of after 15 days.

You may access the applicable notice language within the statute, but Colorado does not provide a specific government form for landlord use. Your landlord should follow the statutory requirements for written notice.

How to Reclaim Your Property

After receiving the notice, you have 15 days to retrieve your belongings. You will need to:

• Contact your landlord promptly to arrange pickup;
• Pay any reasonable storage or moving costs incurred by the landlord (if applicable); and
• Collect your property within the time period specified in the notice.

If you don’t respond within 15 days (or the timeline stated in your notice), your landlord has the right to sell, donate, dispose of, or keep the property.

Exceptions and Important Details

• Personal Documents: Items like passports, personal IDs, and financial or legal documents must be securely handled, even after the 15-day period.
• Medical Devices and Medication: These have special handling rules, so let your landlord know if such items were left behind.
• Eviction Situations: If you are evicted by sheriff’s order, property may be left outside or claimed under supervision. Timing and rules may differ.

For official eviction process guidance, see the Colorado Judicial Branch Eviction Self-Help Center.

Relevant Forms and Where to Find Them

• Court Forms for Eviction (JDF 99 and others): While there is no statewide form specifically for reclaiming abandoned property, renters who are evicted may use court forms like the JDF 99: Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure. This form lets you respond to an eviction, explaining your situation and possibly seeking more time to collect your property.
  Example: If you are being evicted and need more time to retrieve belongings, file JDF 99 to request a court hearing and explain your circumstances.

The Colorado County Courts handle residential tenancy matters statewide.

Which Laws Protect Tenants’ Property?

• Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 20 – Disposition of Property
• Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13, Article 40 – Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction)

These statutes outline landlord and tenant obligations regarding property left behind, abandonment timelines, and notice procedures.

FAQs: Colorado Abandoned Property Rules for Renters

1. What should I do if I left personal items behind after moving out?
   Contact your landlord immediately to arrange to collect your belongings. Under Colorado law, you typically have 15 days after receiving written notice to retrieve your items.
2. Can my landlord throw away my things right after I leave?
   No. Your landlord must make a reasonable effort to contact you and give you a 15-day period to reclaim your property.
3. Does my landlord have to store everything I leave?
   Landlords are required to store your property in a reasonable manner but are not obligated to hire movers for large or hazardous items.
4. What if my things are lost or damaged?
   If the landlord fails to follow notice and storage requirements, you can seek damages through your local County Court. Always document what was left and request written communication.
5. Is there a fee for getting my property back?
   Your landlord may charge reasonable storage or moving fees, which must be outlined in the notice provided to you.

Need Help? Resources for Renters

• Colorado Department of Local Affairs – Division of Housing (renter rights, dispute help, and local contact info)
• Colorado Judicial Branch Eviction Self-Help Center (official eviction process info and forms)
• Colorado Legal Services (free legal aid for eligible renters)
• Colorado County Courts Directory

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1. [1] Colorado Revised Statutes Title 38, Article 20 – Disposition of Property
2. [2] Colorado Revised Statutes Title 13, Article 40 – Forcible Entry and Detainer (Eviction)
3. [3] Colorado County Courts – Residential Tenancies
4. [4] JDF 99: Answer Under Simplified Civil Procedure – Colorado Judicial Branch

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