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Colorado Landlord - Tenant Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: I was granted a motion for default judgement and the courts sent the notification out to them with my address by mistake

I was granted a motions to reopen the eviction case and one for default judgement. The documents the courts send to the defendants were by mistake sent in their name but with my address. Do I put on the envelopes return to to sender wrong address or take them to the courthouse and tell them their... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Nov 8, 2023

You should notify the court of the error immediately. It is generally not your responsibility to correct court mailing mistakes, and you should refrain from taking any action that could be misconstrued, such as hand delivering the documents to the defendants. Marking the envelopes as "Return... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Can tenants stop a default judgement after it has been granted
Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Nov 6, 2023

The short answer is yes. Depending on your specific facts, it is possible. For example, if a person was not properly served and not provided an opportunity to be heard, that person in theory, could ask the court to set aside the judgment. Why? Because we have the right to due process in this... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: What law states that a tenant has a right to not live in a bug infested apartment home?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 27, 2023

In Colorado, tenants have the legal right to reside in a habitable dwelling, free from significant infestations such as bedbugs or other pests. The specific laws that regulate these conditions generally fall under the implied warranty of habitability. This warranty mandates that landlords provide... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: My girlfriend and I live together in my home. We are separating. How much time should I allow for her to move out?

We have lived together for 1.5 years in my home that I own outright. We are separating and I am asking her to move out. We do not have any kind of lease agreement and she does not pay rent. How much time does the law allow for her to remain in the residence? I am going to write a formal letter and... View More

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Oct 23, 2023

If your girlfriend has been living with you without a formal lease and doesn't pay rent, she may be considered an at-will tenant or licensee in many jurisdictions. Generally, for at-will tenancies, you would need to give a notice equivalent to the pay period, which in this case might be seen... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Does landlord have to have witness at hearing saying o caused damage to a dryer thats been broken for months b4mvein
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Oct 6, 2023

In Colorado, if a landlord wishes to withhold any portion of a security deposit due to alleged damages caused by a tenant, they must provide the tenant with an itemized list of all deductions and the reasons for them. If there is a dispute about the damages and it goes to a hearing, it's... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Must a landlord provide a tenant with a receipt when the tenant pays rent in Colorado?
Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Sep 28, 2023

Colorado did recently pass a law regarding a landlord's responsibility to provide a tenant with a receipt for cash payments. There are exceptions, but it is generally good practice to give your tenant a receipt. That being said, the damages resulting from such a failure would be difficult to prove.

1 Answer | Asked in Civil Litigation and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Trying to find an explanation as to how tenancy is changed from yearly to month to month while not moving in and out?

Logic would dictate that the longer you've occupied the same space the longer you'd need to move.

Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Sep 22, 2023

The type of tenancy you have is often governed by your lease/ contract. In many contracts, there is a provision in the terms section that will change a fixed year to a month-to-month or other. It all depends on the wording. Further, a month-to-month can be established for hold-over tenants in... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: If a portion of my security deposit is retained for carpet cleaning, is my landlord required to provide me a receipt?

The person I rent from has a history of retaining a cleaning fee from renters, in particular for "professional carpet cleaning", however it has been observed that the carpets were not actually cleaned after that tenant moved out, and the next tenant moved in. For other others who have... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

Not necessarily. In most circumstances, a detailed statement explaining why your deposit was withheld would suffice. If you choose to sue, then the receipt would most likely be discoverable. But, it all depends on were you are in the process and the initial contract. That being said, their have... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: What is the penalty for not having a separate trust account for a rental deposit?
Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Sep 11, 2023

While I am not aware of any penalties, there are benefits to keeping a separate bank account for security deposits. For one, if you are sued, bank records are open to discovery. As such, if you put the deposit in a separate account then you do not necessarily need to divulge your personal records... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Can my landlord charge me full months rent until a new tenant is found if i am kicked out?
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Sep 4, 2023

In Colorado, if you are evicted or leave your rental property before the end of your lease term, your landlord has a legal duty to mitigate their damages. This means they must make reasonable efforts to re-rent the unit to a new tenant. You are generally responsible for rent until a new tenant is... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Is there a proper way to inform landlord that I receive government assistance? (In Colorado)
Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Sep 1, 2023

If you are receiving the assistance and you do not have a contractual requirement to inform your landlord, then you may not need to inform them. It all depends on your specific situation. Many assistance programs pay the landlord directly while some may help to supplement your income.

If...
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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Is there a proper way to inform landlord that I receive government assistance? (In Colorado)
T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 30, 2023

In Colorado, effectively communicating with your landlord about receiving government assistance is important for maintaining transparency and a positive rental relationship. Consider initiating an open and honest conversation at a convenient time for both parties. Explain that you receive... View More

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2 Answers | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: What is the statue of limitations in Colorado to file a lawsuit against a landlord for failure to return the deposit?

I did send a 7day demand letter prior to 1 year of the date I moved out, however a death in my family kept me from filing the lawsuit immediately after the 7 days was up and now its been exactly a year since I moved out. Can I still file a law suit to return treble damage deposit?

Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Aug 30, 2023

The statute of limitations is very tricky. You should contact an attorney.

For security deposit cases, I typically see a 1-year and 3-year statute at play. The 1-year is for punitive damages and the 3-year is for breach of contract. But the facts are extremely important. They determine...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant and Civil Litigation for Colorado on
Q: Would the plaintiff's process server getting caught perjuring affect outcome of case or appeal?

If lost FED eviction the but plaintiff's process server got caught perjuring. Now this was a possession hearing an affidavit would have sufficed they brought in an orchestrated him to lie I won denied the due process because the judge didn't believe him, but co-defendant was evicted, she... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Aug 24, 2023

Unlikely. A process server's job is simply to hand a piece of paper to a person and then confirm that it was delivered. If the process server screwed up even deliberately, it won't affect the merits of the case between the landlord and and tenant. At best, the tenant is entitled to a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: If I pay all back rent, current rent, and fees before my scheduled court date is the case still active?

I was working with a rental assistance agency in July to get help with July’s rent. I finally got approved, but in that time my property management company sent the case to court. I filed my answer 8/7 and paid my current months rent, my back rent, and all legal fees outlined in the notice on... View More

Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Aug 14, 2023

Unfortunately, it is impossible to know without knowing the basis of the eviction and the specific facts. If you are being evicted for breaking the law, paying back rent may not be the ticket. It all depends on the reasons.

I would look into Colorado Revised Statutes for forcible detainer...
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1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: My landlord is not fixing loud pipes. I want to withhold rent. What should I do?

Ive been asking for 8 months

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 11, 2023

First, write a formal letter describing the problem and requesting a fix within a reasonable period. If the issue persists, report it to local housing authorities or health departments. If necessary, you can explore options like the "repair and deduct" method, where you make the repair... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Can a property manager who is not licensed file for eviction?

She doesn't like me, therefore went to the owner and lied to get them evicted

T. Augustus Claus
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answered on Aug 4, 2023

In Colorado, a property manager is generally required to be licensed to engage in property management activities. According to the Colorado Real Estate Commission, anyone who performs property management services, including initiating or filing evictions, on behalf of another person or entity must... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Real Estate Law and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: who has say over property deeds after owner passes away
Michael Joseph Larranaga
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answered on Jul 21, 2023

It really depends. If the property is owned as joint tenants with right of survivorship, ownership can pass by operation of law without any court involvement. In other instances, probate may be required. Regardless, property ownership is riddled with legal complexities. If you do not know the... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Contracts and Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: In a Colorado civil case, can the court rule ex parte on a motion for extension of time to file response to discovery?

Opposing counsel filed motion for extension of time on Friday evening. It states that I am opposed to the motion. I found his email with his motion Saturday evening; I filed my response Monday evening with the court and opposing counsel. He advised me that the court had already granted his motion... View More

Maurice Mandel II
Maurice Mandel II
answered on Jul 11, 2023

An Ex Parte application is basically a motion with shortened notice to the opposing side. You are usually told exactly the date, time and place where the motion will be heard by the Court so you can go there, personally or remotely, to present your opposition. You can search for the rule on google... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Landlord - Tenant for Colorado on
Q: Can my landlord end my lease early after I call the board of health?
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on May 18, 2023

Potentially yes, although in some circumstances it may depend on the language of your lease.

Each case turns on its own unique set of facts and circumstances, and your question doesn’t come close to including every potentially relevant piece of information.

Say, for instance, you...
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