Responding to an Eviction Case

Step 1: Read the court papers carefully

You should have received a summons and complaint. The summons gives a return date and time. You don’t have to go to court that day—but you must file either:

• An answer

  OR

• A stipulation (a signed agreement between you and your landlord).

You must file one of these by the end of the return date. If you don’t, the court may enter a default judgment against you the next day, and you could be evicted.

Step 2: Understand what an answer is

An answer is your written response to your landlord’s complaint. In it, you:

• Respond to what your landlord says.
• Explain your legal reasons (defenses) for why you should not be evicted.

Step 3: Use the right form

Your landlord should have included a blank answer form with the court papers. Look for form JDF 103 at the bottom of the page. If it's missing, download it. 

Step 4: Fill out the answer form

• Write clearly if you are filling it out by hand.
• Use the complaint as a guide for names and case number.
• Fill in your name, mailing address, phone number, and email.
• Copy party names exactly as written—even if there are misspellings.

Step 5: State your defenses

• Read your landlord’s complaint and the attached notice or demand.
• Check "yes" or "no" for the type of eviction (e.g., nonpayment, lease violation).
• Check all the defenses that apply to your situation.

Examples of valid defenses may include:

• You paid rent after the landlord gave you a demand.
• The landlord didn’t give proper notice.
• The landlord is retaliating or discriminating.

There is also space to:

• Note if you receive certain benefits and were denied required mediation.
• List other legal defenses not on the form.
• Explain details in the final “Explanation” section.

Step 6: Filing your answer

Filing is free for tenants in eviction cases.

You can file your answer:

• In person: Go to the courthouse listed in your summons. File with the clerk before the return date ends.
• Online: Visit Colorado Courts E-Filing. You must create an account. After you file, check that the court accepted your answer. If not, it won’t count.
• By mail: Not recommended. If it arrives late, you could lose by default.

Step 7: Serve the landlord

You must send a copy of your answer to your landlord or their attorney (listed on the complaint).

• If you filed in person: Mail a copy to the address on the complaint.
• If you filed online: The system will automatically serve your answer if the landlord or their attorney also filed electronically.