Non-Payment of Rent in Colorado
When tenants can’t pay rent on their rental in Denver, Fort Collins-Loveland, Edwards, or any Colorado community, it creates a difficult situation that can lead to tenant-landlord disputes. For a renter, paying rent is an obligation and failure to do so can result in eviction. If a tenant has lost their job or is facing other challenges, it’s a very stressful situation.
For the landlord, non-payment of rent is also a problem. It can mean a loss of profit and it can even leave a landlord unable to meet their own financial obligations.
The team at Flaxman Law Group has offices in Denver and Basalt, Colorado to help resolve tenant-landlord disputes involving non-payment of rent. Contact our team today for a no obligation consultation with a Colorado eviction attorney.
Non-Payment of Rent in Colorado: What You Need to UnderstandNon-payment of rent is legal cause for eviction in Colorado, meaning a landlord can evict a tenant for this issue, as long as the landlord follows the correct eviction process. Even if a tenant has not paid rent, the landlord must still provide written notice of eviction, in compliance with all Colorado laws. They must also generally give the renter a chance to pay the debt to avoid eviction.
If the renter does not pay after getting an eviction notice, the landlord may file an eviction lawsuit. Both parties may attend a court hearing to present their cases before a judge. The judge can then decide on the resolution of the case.
The legal process takes some time, which is why sometimes landlords and tenants try to resolve non-payment disputes on their own. If you’re a renter and realize you can’t pay rent on time, it’s important to communicate with your landlord. If you’re facing financial challenges, your landlord may be willing to give you more time to pay rent or may be able to negotiate a payment plan so you can meet your obligation.
Whether you’re a landlord or tenant, get any agreement in writing and keep documentation of any communication. This can be important to establish everyone’s obligations and to argue your side if your case does end up in court.
How Flaxman Law Group Can HelpLandlord-tenant negotiations over rent are often challenging. There’s a lot at stake and emotions can run high, which is why you may want to contact a Colorado eviction attorney at Flaxman Law Group. Our legal team can work on a negotiation that helps you avoid court or may be able to represent you if your situation does end up before a judge.
If you’re a tenant, we can make sure your rights are protected and that your landlord does not try to use illegal means to evict you for non-payment of your Colorado lease. If you’re a landlord, we can work to negotiate to ensure you’re paid and that all relevant laws are followed in the situation.
The legal team at our law firm understands that non-payment of rent is stressful for everyone. If you’re a tenant facing eviction because of non-payment or a landlord facing a non-paying renter, contact Flaxman Law Group to speak with a Colorado eviction attorney. Our family law firm has decades of combined experience across two generations of attorneys. We’re proud to serve the state of Colorado and would be pleased to offer you a no obligation consultation if you need to speak with an attorney about your case. You can reach us 24/7 at 970-999-0530.
Landlord-Tenant Dispute Clients Often Ask Us
These Important Questions
A landlord can typically keep all or part of your security deposit to cover unpaid rent, damage beyond normal wear and tear, or other lease violations. However, they must provide an itemized list of deductions and return any remaining amount within a specific timeframe, as required by local laws.
Landlords must always provide notice and cannot evict without going through proper court process, unless the lease or local laws specify otherwise. For example, in cases of criminal activity or immediate danger to the property, the landlord may proceed with an expedited eviction. Always check your lease and local tenant laws for specific requirements.
If your landlord fails to address necessary repairs after you've notified them in writing, you may have options such as:
Withholding rent (where allowed by law).
Making the repair yourself and deducting the cost from your rent. Reporting the issue to local housing authorities.
Seeking legal remedies in court. Document all communication and the condition of the property to strengthen your case.
The length of the eviction process varies depending on local laws and the circumstances of the case. It can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months. Generally, the process involves:
- A formal notice period.
- Filing of an eviction lawsuit.
- A court hearing.
- Enforcement of the eviction by local authorities, if necessary.
- Tenants may appeal or request delays, which can extend the timeline.
Landlord-Tenant Practice Areas
Broad Experience in Landlord-Tenant Disputes
Skillfully navigated complex landlord-tenant conflicts, advocating for fair resolutions and protecting clients’ rights in rental and lease agreements.
Protecting Tenant Rights:
Helped hundreds of tenants recover withheld security deposits, terminate leases, transfer units, or obtain alternative housing in cases involving habitability issues.
Preventing Wrongful Evictions:
Represented tenants to successfully block unlawful eviction attempts, ensuring their housing rights were upheld.
Advocating for Landlords:
Assisted landlords in evicting problematic tenants and recovering compensation for property damages, lost income, and other related losses.