Learn what a Demand for Compliance notice means and what to do next.
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If you're a tenant (renter) in Colorado, most lease violations require your landlord to give you time to fix the issue. But in more serious cases—like certain crimes or threats—your landlord may be able to start eviction proceedings after giving you only 3 days' notice. This guide explains:
- What counts as a substantial violation
- What your landlord must include in the notice
- What steps you can take if you receive one
If possible, you should talk to a lawyer right away if you are being evicted for a serious lease violation, because the process moves quickly.
What is a substantial violation?
The definition of a substantial violation is a serious act that:
- Happens on or near the property and endangers people or damages property;
- Involves a violent or drug-related felony near the premises; or
- Is a criminal act on the premises punishable by at least 180 days in jail and declared a public nuisance.
Your landlord does not need an arrest, charge, or criminal conviction to evict you for a substantial violation. In civil court, they only need to prove it's more likely than not that you committed the act. Evictions based on arrests or charges that occurred far from your home may not meet the legal standard.
Note:
If you’re facing a related criminal case, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney before making any statements.
What must be in the notice?
The landlord must give you a written Notice to Quit that includes:
- The address of the property;
- A clear statement that you have 3 days to move out;
- The deadline to vacate;
- A description of the alleged violation;
- The landlord's (or their agent’s) signature; and
- A notice about mediation eligibility if you receive certain public benefits.
- See our guide on Mandatory Mediation for Tenants on Assistance for more detailed information.
Notice delivery requirements
Hand-delivered to you or someone over 15 at your home.
OR
- After 2 failed tries, it must be posted in a visible location like your front door.
What are my options if I receive a notice?
- If you leave in time, the landlord can’t proceed with the eviction. The landlord must give you at least 3 days to move.
- Tell your landlord in writing that you moved out.
- Give the keys back and ask for a walk-through to avoid future disagreements with your landlord.
- Even if you move, your landlord can still sue you for unpaid rent or damages.
- You and your landlord may be able to agree on more time to move or avoid penalties.
- Get any agreement in writing and signed by both parties.
- If you get TANF, SSI, or SSDI, you may qualify for free mediation.
- You must tell your landlord in writing that you receive these benefits right away after receiving the notice.
What if someone else caused the violation?
If you rent your home, you are usually responsible for your guests’ actions. You may still be evicted unless:
- You did not know about your guest’s actions or could not reasonably have known and, upon discovery, you immediately contacted the police to report the actions.
- The guest’s act was related to domestic violence, and you have at least one of the following documents to prove it:
- A police report;
- A protection order;
- A self-attestation (meaning a document that you write, explaining the situation); or
A letter from a service provider who is assisting you, such as an attorney, social worker, medical professional, faith leader, or mental health provider.
See our guide on Housing Rights for Domestic Violence Survivors for more information.
Sometimes landlords will settle the case if you agree to never let the guest who caused the problem back into your home.
What are common examples of substantial violations?
- Threatening a neighbor: Likely counts if you threatened violence or acted in an intimidating manner. You might have a defense if you were:
- Joking;
- Experiencing a mental health episode and have now stabilized; or
- Acting in self-defense.
- Damaging property: Willful and serious damage to property likely qualifies. If the damage was accidental or minor, that might be a defense.
What happens if I don’t move out or settle?
Your landlord must file a court case and serve you with a summons and complaint. You can:
- File an answer explaining your side; and/or
- Show up in court to defend yourself.
Possible defenses include:
- You didn’t do what the notice claims.
- The act doesn’t meet the legal definition of a substantial violation.
- You weren’t properly notified.
- You weren’t given the full 3 days before the case was filed.
- The court papers were served fewer than seven days before your hearing.
Important!
Your landlord cannot lock you out without a court order. If that happens, see our guide on What to Do If Your Landlord Locks You Out.
Stay informed and take action quickly—evictions for substantial violations move fast.
Need more help?
If you are low-income, a senior, or a veteran, you may qualify for free legal help from Colorado Legal Services (CLS). To apply or ask if you might qualify, go to the CLS website and find the office that serves your area. If you call or visit, CLS can help you in your native language.
You can get help from the courts. Every judicial district has staff called “Sherlocks” to help people with their legal questions. To find the Sherlock in your county, visit the Judicial Department’s Sherlock webpage.