Legal Guide for PMs · Colorado Law

Tenant Left Belongings After Move-Out — Denver PM Guide

Your tenant moved out and left stuff behind. What are you legally required to do? Here's the PM guide to Colorado abandoned property law — timelines, documentation, and how to avoid lawsuits.

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Quick Answer

When a tenant moves out and leaves belongings behind in Denver, you must make reasonable efforts to handle the property responsibly under CRS 38-12-126. This means: document everything with photos, set aside items of value, and keep records of what was removed. You cannot throw everything in a dumpster immediately. Professional cleanout with documentation is your legal defense. See our full CRS 38-12-126 breakdown.

Move-Out vs. Eviction — Different Rules

Voluntary Move-Out

Tenant's lease ended or they gave notice. Left stuff behind. You have more flexibility here — but you still need to document and handle items of value properly. Reasonable notice to the tenant (typically 7-15 days depending on lease terms) before disposal.

Eviction (Court-Ordered)

Sheriff executed the writ. Stricter rules apply under CRS 38-12-126. Documentation is critical. See our PM eviction cleanout page for the full process.

The PM Checklist for Abandoned Belongings

Document the unit condition

Photograph every room showing what was left behind. Date and time stamp.

Attempt to contact the tenant

Send written notice (email + certified mail) that belongings were left and they have X days to retrieve them per your lease terms.

Identify items of value

Electronics, jewelry, legal documents, medications, firearms, photos. Set these aside and document separately.

Wait the notice period

Check your lease for the abandoned property clause. If none, Colorado generally requires reasonable notice — typically 7-15 days for voluntary move-outs.

Call JSD for the cleanout

Professional cleanout with full documentation — before/after photos, itemized removal log. Your legal defense if the tenant claims you destroyed their property.

Process deposit deductions

Itemized statement within 60 days (or 30 per lease). Include cleanout invoice, cleaning costs, and repair costs. Our documentation supports every deduction.

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