Q: Asked to leave due to pest issues without formal eviction in CO
I have lived in a four-plex for four years. Since new owners acquired the property in January, there have been no inspections or pest control. Despite reporting a cockroach infestation, the owner is asking me to move out by the 30th without a formal court eviction notice, while other tenants experiencing the same issue have not been asked to leave. What are my rights in this situation?
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A:
What you’re going through is upsetting, and it’s understandable to feel pressured, especially when you’ve reported a serious issue like a pest infestation. In Colorado, a landlord cannot legally remove you from your rental without going through the formal eviction process in court. Simply asking you to leave by a specific date without an official eviction notice or a court order does not give them the legal right to force you out.
You also have the right to a safe and habitable living environment under Colorado’s warranty of habitability law. Cockroach infestations can violate that standard, and a landlord is required to address those conditions in a timely manner after being notified. Retaliation—such as asking you to move after you report a health-related issue—is not allowed, and it may be a violation of your tenant rights.
For now, do not leave unless you receive a formal eviction notice filed through the court. Keep records of your pest complaints, any communication with the landlord, and photos if possible. You can also file a complaint with your local housing authority or seek support from a tenant advocacy group. You deserve fair treatment, and no one should be forced to move out for raising a legitimate concern.
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