Denver Landlord Eviction Checklist
A step-by-step checklist of the Colorado eviction process — from serving notice to clearing the unit — so Denver landlords can stay organized and avoid costly missteps.
An eviction in Colorado is a sequence of legal steps, and skipping or rushing one can restart the whole process. This Denver landlord eviction checklist walks through the stages in plain English so you know what to line up at each point. It’s a general organizational guide, not legal advice — verify the specifics for your situation before you act.
Before You Start
Confirm you have valid grounds
Under Colorado’s recent “just cause” rules, you generally need a legally recognized reason to end a tenancy. Identify whether your situation is for-cause or no-fault before doing anything.
Gather your records
Pull the signed lease, the ledger of rent and payments, and any written communication about the issue. You’ll want these organized if the case goes to court.
Know the right notice
The notice type and cure period depend on the reason. Getting the notice wrong is the most common way landlords lose time — confirm the correct one with counsel.
The Step-by-Step Eviction Checklist
Serve the proper written notice
Deliver the correct demand for compliance or notice to quit, stating the issue and the legally required time to cure or vacate. Keep proof of how and when it was served.
Wait out the cure period
Give the tenant the full notice window to fix the issue or move. Don’t file early — a premature filing can get the case tossed.
File the FED case & attend the hearing
If the issue isn’t resolved, file the Forcible Entry and Detainer complaint in county court, respond to the summons, and appear at the hearing with your documentation.
Obtain the writ & let the sheriff act
If you win, the court issues a writ of restitution. The county sheriff posts it, gives the tenant a final window, and supervises the lockout. Never do a self-help lockout yourself.
Move-Out Day & Turnover Checklist
Document the unit
Photograph and video every room and any belongings left behind before anything is touched. This record is your best protection in a dispute.
Handle sensitive items carefully
Set aside documents, valuables, and medications. Report any found firearm to police and arrange a licensed tow for any abandoned vehicle — don’t handle those yourself.
Clear out the junk
Once you have legal possession, haul out the leftover furniture, trash, and household goods so the unit is empty and ready to work on.
Clean, repair, re-list
Deep-clean, fix damage, re-key, and get the listing live so the unit isn’t sitting vacant any longer than it has to.
Where Junk Same Day Fits the Checklist
The last items on every landlord’s eviction checklist — clear it out, clean it up, re-list — are exactly what we handle. Junk Same Day is family-owned, licensed & insured, and rated 4.8 stars across 146+ reviews across the Denver metro. We don’t give legal advice; we do the heavy lifting. Once you have legal possession, our crews clear the unit, often same-day depending on truck availability, and document the load. Over 60% of what we remove is donated or recycled. Pricing is by truck volume, so you only pay for the space you use:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the first step on a Colorado eviction checklist?
Can I remove the tenant or their belongings myself?
What should I photograph at move-out?
What do I do with leftover furniture and trash?
How fast can the unit be cleared?
Do I still need a lawyer if I follow this checklist?
Check Off the Cleanout — Same-Day
When the legal steps are done and you have possession, we clear the unit so you can clean and re-list fast. Licensed & insured, 4.8 stars across 146+ reviews, serving Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Thornton, Westminster, Arvada & the metro.