Landlord-Tenant & Evictions
By Attorney Charles E. Liken Jr., 30+ years in the legal field. Colorado landlord-tenant law for both sides — security deposits, habitability, and the eviction (FED) process, done right.
Charles E. Liken Jr., Esq. — On the Legal Front Lines · Former Government Investigator, Denver Human Services · Licensed Colorado Attorney · 20+ Years in Private Practice · Former Colorado Deputy District Attorney · Colorado Court-Appointed Child and Family Investigator
The rules are technical, and the deadlines are short
Colorado landlord-tenant law is a maze of strict timelines — miss one and a strong position collapses. We represent both landlords and tenants, and the first job is always the same: figure out which clock is running and get ahead of it.
Ready when you are — talk it through with Attorney Liken.
Start here: a no-charge 20-minute phone call directly with Attorney Liken.
Whichever side you’re on, move first
Landlord-tenant fights reward the party who papers it correctly and early. A no-charge call sorts out your notice, your timeline, and your leverage before you act.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit in Colorado?
Within 30 days after the lease ends or you surrender the premises, whichever is later, or up to 60 days if the lease specifies a longer period (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a)). A landlord who wrongfully withholds a deposit can be liable for three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees and costs, after a seven-day written demand; a landlord who kept money in good faith may owe only the excess plus costs (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(3), (3.5)).
Can my landlord evict me without notice?
No. Colorado requires written notice before an eviction — for most nonpayment cases a 10-day demand for compliance — followed by a court process. A landlord cannot lawfully change the locks or remove your belongings without a court order; self-help eviction is illegal.
What can I do if my rental is uninhabitable?
Colorado's warranty of habitability (C.R.S. § 38-12-503) requires landlords to fix conditions that materially affect health and safety after proper written notice. Tenants have remedies when the landlord fails to act, but the notice steps matter — so document everything.
Can I break my lease early because of domestic violence?
Yes. Colorado lets survivors terminate a lease early with proper notice and documentation (C.R.S. § 38-12-402), and you generally cannot be held for the remaining rent. The firm's DV lease-termination guide walks through the exact steps.
Take the first step. We'll take it from there.
No-charge 20-minute phone consultation directly with Attorney Liken.