National Eviction

How long does an eviction take in Colorado?

For landlords and property managers · Updated September 2026

The written deadlines let an uncontested eviction for unpaid rent in Colorado finish in about 4 to 8 weeks at the fastest, before time to file, serve the tenant and get on the court's calendar.

The Colorado eviction timeline, step by step

Calendar days for a nonpayment case the tenant does not contest. Business and court days are converted to calendar days.

  1. 1Notice for unpaid rent

    10 days

    From serving the notice until you can file.

    10-day notice to pay rent

    From our guide: “Nonpayment: ten days (§ 13-40-104(1)(d)). A written demand for the rent or possession.”

  2. 2Court case

    7 to 14 days

    From filing through service and the answer period or first hearing, to a judgment for possession.

    Summons sets appearance 7 to 14 days after issuance

    From our guide: “which must command the tenant to appear on a day not less than 7 and not more than 14 days from the day it is issued”

  3. 3Judgment to possession

    10 to 30 days

    Any waiting period before the writ issues, plus the officer's notice before the lockout.

    Writ executes 10 to 30 days after judgment

    From our guide: “the officer may not execute the writ until at least ten days after entry of judgment, or at least 30 days if the tenant receives SSI, SSDI or Colorado Works cash assistance, as specified in the writ”

What can slow it down

  • Tenants on SSI, SSDI or Colorado Works cash assistance get mandatory mediation before filing and a 30-day (not 10-day) wait before the writ executes.
  • A defective notice is the most common reason a case is dismissed and has to start over. Check the form and the delivery method in the full guide before you serve it.
  • A tenant who files an answer, raises a defense or appeals adds hearings and waiting periods. Busy urban dockets can add weeks at every stage.
  • Never change the locks or shut off utilities yourself. Self-help eviction is illegal in every state and can cost more than the unpaid rent.

Read the full Colorado eviction guide, with the statute or rule behind each step.

Colorado scores 4 of 10 on our landlord-friendly states map (tenant-leaning).

Compare eviction timelines in every state.

This timeline is general information for landlords, not legal advice. Deadlines change and courts vary by county. Confirm current rules with a licensed Colorado attorney before acting.