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The Colorado Eviction Process can be broken down into 4 steps:

1. 3 Day Notice (Demand for Compliance)
2. Serving the 3 Day Notice on the Tenant
3. Filing the Forcible Entry and Detainer Lawsuit (Eviction Lawsuit)
4. Obtaining a Judgment for Possession (Writ of Restitution)

3 Day Notice
The first step to evict a tenant for violating a lease or not paying rent is to properly serve them with a 3 Day Notice. In Colorado this is called a "Demand for Compliance." It gives the tenant 3 days to fix the problem (usually by paying the rent) or else they have to leave. If they do not, you can sue them for eviction (see below). If the third day falls on a weekend or a holiday, then the tenant has until the following business day to cure the default.

Serving the 3 Day Notice
"Serving the notice" refers to the method in which you deliver the 3 Day Notice to the Tenant. If you do not complete this step correctly, then you will not be successful in suing the tenant for eviction in the next step. You may deliver or "serve" the tenant in one of the following manners:

• Physically handing the Notice to the Tenant
• Setting the documents down in front of the Tenant if they refuse to take them.
• Leaving the Notice with the Tenant's family member who is 16 or older at the premises.
• Leaving the documents at the Tenant's workplace with the Tenant's secretary or assistant.
• Posting the 3 Day Notice in a conspicuous place on the premises (such as the front door).

Forcible Entry and Detainer Lawsuit
Once you serve the 3 Day Notice and have waited the 3 days, you may not file an eviction lawsuit against the tenant if they are still not out. The Eviction Lawsuit is called a "Forcible Entry and Detainer lawsuit." Go to the County Court where your property is located, and go to the clerk's office. The clerk's office will most likely have the forms for you to fill out to start your lawsuit. When you file the lawsuit, the court clerk will give you a court date, which is usually 5 to 10 days from the filing date. You now have to serve the lawsuit on the tenant, or you can have the sheriff do this (this is recommended - ask the court clerk).

When you show up for your court date, bring evidence to prove your case, including the lease, a copy of the 3 Day Notice, and proof that it was properly served. If the tenant does not show up for the court date, it is likely the judge will award you a Possession Judgment and any monetary damages you are asking for (up to $15,000). If the tenant shows up, the judge will hear both sides and make a decision. If you are awarded a Possession Judgment, this means you are entitled to get possession of the property back and the tenant has 48 hours to vacate.

Writ of Restitution
If the tenant does not leave within 48 hours of the court ordering a Possession Judgment, you need to go back to the court and apply for a "Writ of Restitution." Once the court approves your Writ of Restitution, you must contact the Sheriff's Office to "execute" the Writ, which means physically remove the tenant.

When you are beginning the Eviction Process, it is important to remember that this is a legal procedure. Act professional and keep good records at all times. For example, be sure to keep multiple copies of all letters and documents you deliver to your tenant. If your tenant does not leave after receiving your eviction notice, you may need to prove to a judge later that you in fact properly delivered that eviction notice.

If you end up having to file an eviction case, always make sure you file your eviction case in the right court. Every state is broken up into different jurisdictions, and you must file in the correct jurisdiction. You can usually figure out where to file by doing some research on your state's website. When you go to file your eviction case, the clerk's office will tell you if you are in the right place, and if you are not, they are usually very helpful. Always treat court clerks kindly and with respect, and they will go the extra mile for you.

If you end up having to go to court, there are a few simple rules to follow. Show up early for your court date and politely ask the court clerk where to go. Always dress professionally or they might now let you in the courtroom. DO NOT allow your cell phone to ring in the Courtroom! Many judges impose $500.00 fines or confiscate your phone for over a week! Most of the time you will sit in the Courtroom and the judge will come out and give everyone instructions. He will then begin calling cases. Address the Judge as "Your Honor" or "Judge." Make sure to bring a copy of your Eviction Notice, your Lease, and any evidence you need, such as witnesses, lease violations, pictures, etc. Always be honest, even if it is to your disadvantage. A perjury conviction is worse than losing an Eviction case.