Learn about your rights during an eviction process.
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If your landlord has locked you out of your home or shut off your utilities without going to court, they may have acted illegally. This is sometimes called a constructive eviction.
This guide explains:
- What a lockout is
- What your rights are under Colorado law
- What actions you can take to protect yourself
- How to handle the situation
- When to call law enforcement
- How to seek compensation or reclaim your property
If this happens to you, you have options—but acting quickly and understanding your legal footing are key.
In Colorado, it is illegal for a landlord to force a tenant to vacate rental property without obtaining a court order. Without filing and winning an eviction lawsuit, landlords cannot:
- Change your locks
- Shut off your utilities (water, heat, gas, electricity)
- Remove your doors or windows
- Remove or keep your personal belongings
Unless your landlord has filed and won an eviction case in court, these actions are called an illegal lockout or self-help eviction. They are illegal.
Can my landlord force me out?
No matter the reason, your landlord cannot legally force you out without a court order. Only the county sheriff can legally remove your belongings from your home. The sheriff can only remove you after your landlord wins an eviction case in court.
Does the law protect me from illegal eviction?
The law protects you if your landlord tries to force you out of your home without a court order. You can sue your landlord to stop the illegal eviction and for money damages.
There are some exceptions. It is legal for a landlord to take possession of a rental unit without a court order:
- If the tenant agrees to move out.
- If the tenant abandons the home by doing any 1 of the following:
- Returning the keys
- Removing their personal property
- Giving the landlord notice that they are leaving
- Being absent for an extended period while not paying rent
- If the state or local health department determines the home is a drug laboratory.
The law that creates these protections is called Colorado Revised Statutes 38-12-510.
What should I do if I am are locked out?
Step 1: Contact the police or sheriff immediately
Tell them you are a legal tenant and that your landlord has locked you out illegally. Ask for assistance to regain access.
To show you aren’t trespassing, have proof that you live there, like:
- A lease
- A utility bill with your name and the address
- A state ID showing the address
Step 2: Notify your landlord in writing
Demand immediate access to your home. Tell your landlord in writing that their actions are illegal and you are prepared to take legal action. Mention that you may sue them for damages if they don’t comply.
Step 3: Document everything
Take photos of locks, doors, or utility shutoffs. Keep copies of texts, emails, or letters.
Step 4: File a lawsuit
You may sue your landlord in court for:
- An order allowing you to keep or regain possession of the rental unit
- Actual damages (hotel costs, lost belongings, etc.)
- Plus either
$5,000
OR
- 3 times your monthly rent—whichever is greater.
- Attorney's fees and court costs
Where to sue depends on the amount of your claim:
- Under $7,500: Small claims court
- $7,500–$25,000: County court
- Over $25,000: District court
Step 5: Recover your belongings
If your landlord tries to keep your personal property, you can file a court action called replevin to retrieve it. Learn more here: Colorado Judicial Branch - Replevin.
Tip:
You can also add a claim for damages if your property was lost or damaged.
Can I break in if I am locked out?
You still have a legal right to the home if your landlord hasn't gone through court. That means you may be able to reenter—if you can do so without causing damage or creating a disturbance.
Important!
If police are called, you could be arrested if they think you’re trespassing or damaging property. Always try safer options first.
Before attempting reentry:
- Call the county court to check whether your landlord filed an eviction case.
- Be ready to prove your right to be there (lease, utility bill, ID, etc.).
- Be ready to explain to police or the court that there’s no court-ordered eviction.
What are my rights?
- Landlord action: Change the locks
- Is it legal? No, it is illegal.
- Landlord action: Shut off water, heat, or power
- Is it legal? No, it is illegal.
- Landlord action: Remove your belongings
- Is it legal? No, it is illegal.
- Landlord action: Evict without a court order
- Is it legal? No, it is illegal.
Where can I get help?
If you’re experiencing an illegal lockout:
- Call local law enforcement
- Contact Colorado Legal Services
- File a case in small claims court or county court
- Speak to a tenant rights attorney
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.