The Cost of Eviction in Denver: A Landlord’s Breakdown
Court fees are only the beginning. Here’s an honest look at what a Denver eviction really costs — and the one expense that quietly dwarfs the rest.
When landlords ask what an eviction costs in Denver, they usually expect a single number. The honest answer: it’s a stack of smaller costs — filing fees, possible attorney fees, sheriff and moving expenses, cleanout and repairs — plus the big one most people underestimate: lost rent. Here’s how it breaks down. This is general information, not legal or financial advice.
The Pieces of the Bill
Court Filing Fee
Filing an eviction (forcible entry & detainer) case in Colorado generally costs on the order of roughly $85–$135 depending on the county and amount claimed, plus a small statutory surcharge that funds eviction legal defense. Fees change — confirm the current amount with the clerk of court.
Attorney Fees
Many landlords hire counsel. Reporting suggests a typical case runs in the ballpark of several hundred dollars in legal fees when uncontested, and meaningfully more if the tenant contests and it goes to trial.
Sheriff & Moving
If a writ is executed, there are costs for the sheriff to oversee the lockout and for labor to move belongings out. These vary by case.
Cleanout
Evicted units are often left full of furniture, trash and belongings. Hauling it all out is its own line item — and one we handle.
Repairs & Turn
Damage, paint, cleaning and make-ready work to get the unit re-rentable. Highly variable depending on the unit’s condition.
Lost Rent (the big one)
From the first missed payment through the court process and until a new tenant moves in, the unit isn’t earning. For most Denver landlords this is by far the largest single cost — often more than every fee above combined.
Why Lost Rent Dominates
Court and attorney fees are real, but they’re usually a few hundred dollars. Lost rent compounds every single day the unit sits non-paying and then vacant. On a typical Denver rental, weeks of unpaid occupancy plus turnover time can add up to thousands — which is exactly why moving fast at the end matters. Various industry estimates put an all-in Denver eviction (fees, lost rent, cleanout and repairs) anywhere from a few thousand dollars for a simple, uncontested case to well over ten thousand for a drawn-out contested one. Treat those as estimates, not guarantees — your actual cost depends on your rent, your timeline and your unit’s condition.
Fee figures above reflect general Colorado Judicial Branch fee information and public reporting and are approximate; court fees can change and vary by county. Total-cost ranges are industry estimates, not a quote. This is general information, not legal or financial advice — consult a professional for your situation.
How to Keep the Cost Down
Act Early & Document
Clear records and prompt, proper notices reduce the chance of delays and disputes that drag out lost-rent days.
Follow the Process Exactly
Self-help “shortcuts” like changing locks aren’t legal in Colorado and can be far more expensive than doing it right. When in doubt, get an attorney.
Line Up the Cleanout in Advance
The day you get lawful possession, have your cleanout crew ready so the unit isn’t sitting full and idle.
Turn It Fast
The sooner the unit is empty, repaired and listed, the sooner the lost-rent meter stops.
The Cleanout Cost — Flat & Upfront
One line item we can give you real numbers on: the cleanout. Junk Same Day prices by truck volume, so you know the range before we start. We’re family-owned, licensed & insured, 4.8 stars from 146+ reviews, and we donate or recycle 60%+ of what we haul — often same-day based on truck availability.
Bigger jobs are quoted free on-site, and mattresses start around $75. The faster the unit is cleared, the sooner you stop losing rent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an eviction cost in Denver?
What is the biggest eviction expense?
How much is the court filing fee?
Can I recover these costs from the tenant?
How much does the cleanout part cost?
How fast can you clear the unit?
Cut Your Biggest Eviction Cost: Turn the Unit Fast
Same-day cleanout is often available based on truck availability across the Denver metro. Family-owned, licensed & insured, 4.8 stars from 146+ reviews.