Eviction Law in Fort Collins, CO

Evictions are rarely simple, and in Fort Collins, one wrong step can unravel your entire case. Colorado law gives tenants rights that can complicate removal, even when there are clear grounds for eviction. If you rush the process or issue an improper notice, the court may side with your tenant, and that delay could cost you more than just time.

This guide walks you through the eviction process in Fort Collins from start to finish. Whether your tenant has stopped paying rent or violated your lease agreement, we will show you how to respond appropriately and within the bounds of Colorado law.

Read on to understand your legal options, and ask us for a referral to a local attorney who handles eviction cases.

What Is an Eviction?

Eviction is the legal process a landlord must follow to remove a tenant from a property. It often stems from nonpayment of rent or serious lease violations. But no matter the reason, the process can be lengthy, technical, and expensive, especially in cities like Fort Collins, where housing laws provide tenants with meaningful protections.

It is also important to know that serving an eviction notice does not always lead to formal removal. In many cases, it functions as a final warning. If the tenant pays what is owed or corrects the issue, you may be able to avoid court altogether.

When Can Landlords Send a Termination Notice?

The Tenant Doesn’t Pay Rent

If a tenant in Fort Collins repeatedly pays rent late or stops paying altogether, that may be grounds to begin eviction. Occasional delays might not trigger action right away, but a consistent pattern of nonpayment can signal a deeper issue. At that point, a landlord is within their rights to issue a formal notice and prepare for the next steps under Colorado law.

Colorado has become more tenant-friendly in recent years. For example, you cannot charge a late fee until the rent is at least seven days overdue. Even then, the fee is capped at either $50 or 5% of the rent, whichever is lower. More importantly, you cannot evict someone just because they failed to pay a late fee.

The Tenant Violates the Terms or Conditions of the Lease Agreement

A lease agreement spells out the rules both parties agree to follow. When a tenant violates one of those rules—such as moving in an unauthorized occupant or keeping a prohibited pet—it may be grounds for eviction. You are not required to tolerate repeated or serious violations that go against the terms you both signed.

That said, the lease applies to landlords too. If you own property in Fort Collins, you must uphold your end of the deal, including timely repairs and regular maintenance as outlined in the contract. Staying compliant protects your rights and strengthens your position if the lease dispute escalates.

The Tenant Damages the Property

Some wear and tear is inevitable. Tenants live in the space, and things age. However, there is a clear difference between normal use and damage that is excessive or deliberate. A broken window during a storm is one thing; holes punched in the wall are another.

If your tenant has damaged the property in a way that goes beyond reasonable use, you may have cause for eviction. Still, not all damage qualifies. A tenant who fixes minor issues without changing the structure or violating the lease may not be subject to removal.

The Tenant Uses the Property for Illegal Purposes

Using a rental unit for illegal purposes is one of the clearest justifications for eviction. If a tenant engages in drug sales, weapons trafficking, or similar crimes from your Fort Collins property, you have the right—and often the duty—to take action.

However, allegations alone are not enough. You must be prepared to show proof. Police reports, witness accounts, or prior law enforcement visits can support your case. Without documentation, eviction based on suspected criminal activity becomes far more difficult.

How to Evict a Tenant in Fort Collins, Colorado

Step 1. Check Your Local Laws

Eviction procedures vary across state and local lines, which makes it essential to understand how Fort Collins law applies before moving forward. You cannot rely on general knowledge or assumptions—Colorado statutes include specific requirements that must be followed.

Step 2. Give a Formal Notice of Eviction

If a tenant continues to break the rules of your lease despite repeated conversations or written reminders, it may be time to escalate. A formal eviction notice serves as a last warning. This document should clearly explain what part of the lease the tenant has violated and what specific action they must take to avoid legal consequences, such as paying back rent or stopping a prohibited activity.

The notice must also include a deadline. If the tenant does not comply by that date, you have the right to take the matter to court. Be sure to state the total amount owed or outline exactly what behavior must change. If you are unsure how to draft the document, consider using a verified legal template or consulting an attorney to ensure everything meets Colorado’s legal requirements.

In Fort Collins, the eviction process begins with a Notice to Quit. This must be delivered in person or clearly posted where the tenant will see it. If the deadline passes without resolution, the landlord can then file a formal eviction complaint.

Step 3. File the Eviction with the Court

Once the notice period has passed without resolution, your next step is to file for eviction in court. In Fort Collins, landlords can file with either the Larimer County Court or the District Court.

Step 4. Contact an Experienced Fort Collins, Colorado Eviction Attorney and Prepare for the Hearing

Eviction hearings move quickly and require proper documentation. An experienced Fort Collins attorney can help ensure you have everything prepared before your court date. Be ready to present clear, organized records that support your case, including:

A copy of the lease agreement
A log of rent payments and outstanding balances
Any bounced or returned checks
Written communication with the tenant (emails, texts, or letters)
The eviction notice you served
Evidence that the tenant received the notice (such as a signed acknowledgment or service affidavit)

Step 5. Evict the Tenant

After a successful hearing, the court will issue an order giving your tenant a limited window to vacate. In Colorado, this period is typically 48 hours, but it can vary depending on the circumstances.

If the tenant does not leave by the deadline, you can request assistance from local law enforcement in Fort Collins. The Larimer County Sheriff’s Office will carry out the physical eviction if necessary.

Step 6. Collect Past-Due Rent Payments

Winning an eviction case does not guarantee that you will recover any unpaid rent. If the tenant owes you money, you may need to take additional legal steps. These can include:

Hiring a collections agency
Garnishing the tenant’s wages through a court order
Placing a lien on the tenant’s bank account or property
Filing a claim in small claims court for the amount due

Work with an Experienced Eviction Attorney in Fort Collins, Colorado

Tenants often push back on technical grounds, claiming the eviction notice was served incorrectly or the timeline was mishandled. In Fort Collins, even minor procedural missteps can delay your case or jeopardize the outcome. That is why it helps to have a local attorney who understands both Larimer County court expectations and Colorado’s evolving tenant protection laws.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area! We can even help you connect with an attorney across Colorado state lines.

About the Author

Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.

With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.

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