Evictions in general are pretty straightforward, albeit time-consuming and expensive. If a landlord has just cause to evict a tenant or wants to reclaim their investment property, they must follow a legal process.
This involves serving the tenant with a notice to vacate. If they don't comply, the landlord must file a lawsuit, attend the hearing, and serve the tenant with a writ of restitution. If they don't move out, landlords can request the sheriff's help in removing them from the property.
In recent times, things have become a little more complicated in Colorado, though. Read on to explore the latest changes to the eviction laws.
Changes to Colorado Eviction Laws in 2023
Denver's eviction crisis has called for some legislative changes that make it more difficult for landlords to evict their tenants. These amendments include:
Extended Notice Period
Landlords must allow tenants a longer notice period before initiating eviction proceedings. This gives the latter more time to rectify the issues in question.
Just Cause Eviction Protection
Now, landlords may only evict tenants for strictly defined reasons. These include lease violations, nonpayment of rent, and property damage.
Prohibition of Retaliatory Evictions
Landlords are prohibited from evictions based on tenants asserting their legal rights. These include reporting violations.
Restrictions on Rent Increases
The update introduces restrictions on rent increases to protect tenants from an unreasonable rent burden. Landlords must follow legal guidelines when revising rents.
Legal Assistance
Tenants can now access legal assistance with eviction. The update allows tenants access to additional support and resources.
Stronger Tenant Rights
The updates enhance tenants' rights to privacy and access to services. It offers extra protections against discrimination.
Go here for more information on these recent changes. Tenants and landlords need to stay updated on any changes impacting evictions. Ignorance is not a valid defense in these cases.
Landlord Advice for Colorado Evictions
The eviction process can be fraught with stress and frustration. Knowing the law is one way to streamline things, but landlords should also:
Communicate With Your Tenant
Always try to resolve the issue with your tenant before pursuing an eviction. Communicate calmly, clearly, and courteously at all times.
If you do need to evict them in the end, be sure to issue them the correct notice. Be sure to keep records of all your correspondence; you will need these if you go to court.
Hire Legal Counsel
If your tenant contests the eviction, you must hire an attorney. This is the best way to protect your legal rights.
Work With a Property Management Service
Avoid evictions by undertaking comprehensive tenant screening processes, regular property inspections, and transparent communications. A property manager can help you navigate all these elements of owning a rental property.
Avoid Costly, Time Consuming Evictions
Tenant evictions can take up to six months to resolve and severely impact your rental income during that time. PMI Aspire assists landlords with background checks, inspections, and tenant communications to help landlords avoid evictions.
We also offer a tenant protection plan to help alleviate some of the stress and costs associated with evictions. Get in touch today to discuss your property management needs in Denver, Colorado
