How Much Does It Cost to Evict a Tenant in Colorado?
For Colorado landlords, filing an eviction is sometimes unavoidable. Whether the issue is unpaid rent, lease violations, or tenants refusing to vacate after a lease ends, regaining possession of a property often requires a formal eviction case through the court system.
One of the most common questions landlords ask is: How much does an eviction actually cost in Colorado?
The answer varies depending on several factors, including court fees, service costs, and whether legal representation is involved. This guide breaks down the typical costs landlords should expect when pursuing an eviction in Colorado.
Basic Court Filing Costs
Every eviction case in Colorado begins with filing a Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) case in county court. The filing fee is typically:
Approximately $97 to $115
This fee is paid directly to the court when submitting the eviction complaint and summons. The filing initiates the legal process and schedules the case for a court hearing.
While the filing fee is relatively modest, additional costs can arise depending on how the case proceeds.
Service of Process Fees
After the eviction case is filed, the tenant must be formally served with the court summons and complaint. This is known as service of process.
• Private process server: $100 – $150
• Sheriff service: $35 – $75 (varies by county)
If multiple tenants live in the property, each tenant must typically be served individually. That can increase total service costs.
Proper service is critical. If service is not completed correctly, the court may delay or dismiss the eviction case.
Demand Notice Costs
Before filing an eviction for nonpayment of rent or lease violations, landlords must first provide a Demand for Compliance or Possession notice.
While the notice itself does not require a court filing fee, there may be costs associated with:
- Printing and preparation
- Posting or delivering the notice
- Hiring a process server to document delivery
Court Hearing Costs
In many eviction cases, the tenant does not respond to the summons or appear in court. When that happens, the landlord may receive a default judgment, which keeps costs relatively low.
However, if the tenant contests the eviction, additional expenses may arise such as:
- Additional court appearances
- Additional document preparation
- Possible attorney consultation
The complexity of the case can influence the final cost.
Writ of Restitution and Sheriff Lockout
If the court rules in favor of the landlord and the tenant still does not leave the property, the next step is obtaining a Writ of Restitution. This authorizes the sheriff to remove the tenant from the property.
• Writ issuance fee: about $45
• Sheriff execution fee: $100 – $150 depending on the county
Once scheduled, the sheriff oversees the physical return of the property to the landlord.
Attorney Fees (Optional)
Some landlords choose to hire an eviction attorney, particularly if the case becomes contested or complex.
Attorney costs can vary widely, but typical eviction representation may range from:
$1,000 to $3,500 or more
Many smaller landlords instead choose assistance services or prepare filings themselves to reduce costs.
Typical Total Cost Range
For a straightforward eviction in Colorado, landlords commonly spend:
| Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Basic eviction with minimal complications | $150 – $300 |
| Eviction with service and sheriff enforcement | $300 – $600 |
| Contested eviction with legal representation | $1,500 – $3,500+ |
Costs can increase if the tenant disputes the case, requests a jury trial, or delays the process.
Can Landlords Recover Eviction Costs?
Colorado courts may allow landlords to recover certain costs from the tenant if the lease agreement includes provisions for:
- Court costs
- Attorney fees
- Late rent or damages
However, collecting these costs can be difficult if the tenant has already vacated or lacks financial resources.
Final Thoughts
While eviction costs in Colorado are generally manageable compared to many legal actions, they can still add up quickly if mistakes occur during the process. Filing errors, improper service, or missed deadlines can result in case dismissal and require landlords to start over.
Preparing eviction filings carefully and ensuring all notices and documents are correct from the beginning can help reduce unnecessary delays and additional expenses.
Understanding the potential costs ahead of time helps landlords plan for the eviction process and regain possession of their property as efficiently as possible.
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