Updated Nov 2026

Landlords have rights, but they also have obligations. Here are four common questions we hear from Colorado landlords about entry, evictions, lease types, and collecting unpaid rent. For a free rental estimate or to talk to a real person click this number 303‑665‑7368.

Disclaimer: We are not attorneys and we are not giving legal advice. For legal advice or questions, please contact an attorney.

1. Can a landlord enter a rental property?

A landlord can generally enter for legitimate reasons such as repairs, inspections, and showings, and may always enter in a true emergency. Colorado has no general statewide notice period for routine entry, so the lease controls it. Most leases require 24 hours’ notice, and we recommend always giving it. If a tenant refuses access, do not force entry. Document the refusal and contact us or an attorney.

2. Can landlords still evict tenants?

Yes, but only for a legally valid reason and through the court process. The COVID-era eviction moratorium has ended. Colorado now requires just cause to end a tenancy or decline to renew a lease under HB24-1098, which covers nonpayment of rent, lease violations, and certain no-fault reasons such as the owner moving in or selling the property. Only the county sheriff can lawfully remove a tenant, so never change the locks or shut off utilities. For the full step-by-step process, see our Colorado eviction guide.

3. Is it better to use a month to month lease?

For most Colorado landlords, a fixed-term lease is the better choice. Under Colorado’s just cause law (HB24-1098), a landlord generally needs a qualifying reason to end a tenancy, so a month-to-month lease no longer gives you an easy way out. A fixed-term lease gives you and the tenant a clear end date and more predictability, which also helps keep vacancy and turnover down.

4. Can you sue tenants for rent, not eviction?

Yes. Unpaid rent is a debt, so you can sue a tenant for it in county court or small claims court, even if you are not seeking an eviction. Suing for money is separate from an eviction, which is about regaining possession of the home. Small claims court has a dollar limit, so check the current amount before filing. At our company, we file a collections account, which takes longer, but we eventually recover those funds for our landlords.