Colorado Notice to Quit

The Colorado Notice to Quit is a type of eviction notice form used by landlords, property managers, and property management companies to notify tenants that they must either comply with an order, or quit and give up possession of the rental property within a certain period of time. Colorado Notice to Quit forms are commonly used to inform the tenant of nonpayment of rent, lease termination, and health hazard or injury to the property.

Preview Colorado Notice to Quit Preview Colorado Notice to Quit Download Colorado Notice to Quit Download Colorado Notice to Quit Buy Colorado Notice to Quit Buy Colorado Notice to Quit

Colorado Notice to Quit - Why it is important?

Landlord and tenant discussing the importance of an Colorado Notice to Quit

You can use the notice to quit form to end your Colorado Residential Lease if the tenant has failed to pay rent. The Colorado Notice to Quit Form should not be confused with the "Writ of Possession" (read more about Colorado eviction notice) which is issued by the courts. The Notice to Quit Form is the beginning of the eviction process, and it communicates the intention to initiate eviction proceedings if a tenant does not comply with an order and remains on the premises beyond the specified date. If the tenant does not comply with the notice (for example they must pay rent or quit the lease and vacate the premises), you may be forced to take legal action to have the tenant removed from the property. If the notice has been ignored by the tenant and the move out date in the notice has passed, you have grounds to bring forth a lawsuit for “unlawful detainer”, in which case the tenant has the option to fight the eviction in court.Colorado Notice to Quit is important in following cases:

Colorado Notice to Quit is important in following cases:

  • Serving a Notice to Quit is one of the first steps Colorado property management companies can take to regain possession of rental property from the tenant.
  • Colorado Notice to Quit notifies tenants they have violated the terms of the lease agreement and must vacate the premises within a certain period of time if they cannot comply with the remedy order.

Colorado Notice to Quit – When should it be used?

Signing an Colorado Notice to Quit rental document

Before the eviction process, when a landlord or property manager in Colorado wants a tenant to either comply with an order or vacate the rental property if they cannot comply, they will use the Colorado Notice to Quit Form to inform tenants they must remedy the problem within a short period of time (often 3-7 days), or leave the premises (quit) by a certain date (usually 30 days).

  • First Step in Eviction: A Notice to Quit is the required first step for Colorado property managers to regain possession of a rental property from a tenant.
  • Violation Notification: It notifies tenants that they have violated the lease terms and must either cure the violation or vacate the property within the legally required timeframe.
  • Legal Requirement: Colorado law requires a valid Notice to Quit before a landlord can file an eviction (Forcible Entry and Detainer) action in court.
  • Common Reasons: The notice is commonly issued for nonpayment of rent, lease violations, property damage, unauthorized occupants, or illegal activity.
  • Notice Periods: Colorado generally requires a 10-day Notice to Pay or Quit for nonpayment of rent and a 10-day Notice to Cure or Quit for most lease violations. Some serious violations may require a 10-day notice without the right to cure.
  • Tenant’s Right to Cure: In many cases, Colorado tenants have the right to cure the violation—such as paying past-due rent within the notice period, unless the violation is classified as substantial or repeat under Colorado law.

Property managers can use property management software to track each individual Colorado rental lease and make sure their tenants are paying the correct amount of rent and on time.

Colorado Notice to Quit – What should be included?

Landlord explaining California Notice to Quit requirements to tenant

The  Colorado Notice to Quit Form must contain the reason for serving the Notice to Quit and the amount of time the tenant has. The problem must be clearly stated on the notice, so the tenant has reasonable awareness and can either correct the issue, or vacate the rental property. Here are some of the basic details that should be included if the rental property is in Colorado:

Name of Tenant and Other Persons who need to comply with the order or vacate the property:

  1. Address of the Rental Property: Full legal address, including unit number if applicable.
  2. Name of Tenant and Other Persons: Full legal names of all tenants and other individuals required to vacate.
  3. Date of the Notice: The date when the Notice to Quit is issued.
  4. Landlord or Property Manager's Name: The full name or legal business name of the landlord or entity issuing the notice.
  5. Notice Period: Clearly specify the notice duration (e.g., 10 days for nonpayment, 10 days for other violations).
  6. Move-Out Date (Vacate Date): The exact date by which the tenant must vacate the property.
  7. Reason for Lease Termination: Clearly state the reason (e.g., nonpayment, lease violation).
  8. Signature of Party Giving Notice: The signature of the landlord or tenant, depending on who is initiating the notice.
  9. Legal Disclaimer: A statement confirming compliance with Colorado Civil Code and specifying that the notice may not be valid outside Colorado.

Colorado Notice to Quit – What should I do with it?

The Notice to Quit Form must be “served” to the tenant by either Personal Service or Mail Service. In some states you can leave it at the rental property right on the front door, but in most cases it is better for you to have an independent party take two copies of the Colorado Notice to Quit to the rental property, give one to the tenant in person, and get their signature on second copy so that you can retain for your records. If you are mailing the Notice to Quit, you should send the Colorado Notice to Quit Form using First Class Certified Mail and retain the receipt.

Colorado Notice to Quit – What else should I know?

There are generally three types of Colorado Notice to Quit Forms. The Colorado Notice to Quit for Nonpayment of Rent can be used when rent is not paid, and the tenant may be given a short period to either pay up or move out. The Colorado Notice to Quit Form for Termination of Tenancy is similar to the Colorado Notice to Vacate Form and can be used to inform the tenant to leave after the lease is up (common with month to month leases in Colorado), or if there is no lease and you just want the tenant to leave. It is different from the Colorado Lease Termination Form, which terminates the Colorado Lease Agreemen when there are other breaches in contract. The Colorado Notice to Quit Form for Health Hazard and Physical Injury should be used if the tenant creates a health hazard or physical injury to the property which is serious or continuing. These forms must be detailed and specific, because an inaccurate or incomplete statement of the problems could cause a later eviction complaint to be dismissed.

After receiving the Notice to Quit, the amount of time a tenant has until they have to comply or vacate the property will vary by state, so you should be sure to check with the laws in Colorado. In some states, tenants are given a 30 Day Notice to Quit, while in other states, a 3 Day Notice to Quit is acceptable.

Key Terms & Provisions

A Colorado Notice to Quit is a legal document used by either a landlord or a tenant to formally notify the other party that they intend to end the Rental Agreement. It must comply with Colorado Civil Code and be delivered in a legally acceptable way:

  • Date of Notice – The specific calendar date when the notice is issued.
  • Names of All Parties Involved – Full legal names of the tenant(s) and landlord/property manager.
  • Rental Property Address – Full legal address and unit description.
  • Notice Period: Clearly state the notice length 
  • Move-Out Date
  • Reason for Termination
  • Signature of Party Giving Notice: Landlord’s or tenant’s signature depending on who is initiating the notice.
  • Legal Disclaimer: A statement acknowledging that the form complies with Colorado Civil Code and may not be valid outside Colorado.

Why Colorado Landlords & Property Managers Choose SimplifyEm Notice to Quit Template?

Property manager recommending an California Notice to Quit template

We understand the importance of handling lease terminations legally and efficiently in Colorado. That’s why our Colorado Notice to Quit Template is designed to simplify the process while helping landlords stay compliant with state law. Here’s why property managers and landlords trust SimplifyEm’s template:

  • Legally Compliant – Our Notice to Quit template aligns with Colorado Revised Statutes (C.R.S.), including the Forcible Entry and Detainer laws, helping ensure notices meet state legal requirements.
  • Flexible Notice Periods – The template supports Colorado’s required notice timelines, such as 10 days for nonpayment of rent, 10 days for curable lease violations, and no-notice or immediate action where permitted by law, depending on the violation and lease terms.
  • Simple & User-Friendly – Designed for ease of use, our template allows landlords to quickly fill in essential details and issue notices accurately.
  • Helps Prevent Disputes – Clear language and proper documentation reduce the risk of misunderstandings or legal challenges during move-out.
  • Trusted by Thousands – SimplifyEm is a top-rated provider of property management tools, trusted by property owners nationwide.

Get Your Colorado Notice to Quit Forms Today!

Why choose us

Legally compliant California Notice to Quit for landlords and tenants

Legally

Compliant

Clear and easy to understand California Notice to Quit document

Clear & Easy to 

Understand

Proper documentation for California Notice to Quit

Proper

Documentation

California Notice to Quit trusted by property owners

Trusted by 

Property Owners

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

What is a Colorado Notice to Quit?

A California Notice to Quit is a written notice from a landlord to a tenant demanding that the tenant either correct a lease violation or vacate the rental property. It is a required first step before filing an eviction (Unlawful Detainer) lawsuit under California Code of Civil Procedure §1161.

How much notice is required to quit a rental in Colorado?

Under Colorado Civil Code Section 1940::

  • 3 days’ notice for nonpayment of rent or curable lease violations (Pay or Quit / Cure or Quit).
  • 7 days’ notice for week-to-week tenancies.
  • 30 days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies where the tenant has lived less than 1 year.
  • 60 days’ notice for month-to-month tenancies where the tenant has lived 1 year or more.
  • Fixed-term leases end automatically on the expiration date unless renewed. (Authority: California Civil Code §§1946, 1946.1; CCP §1161)

Can a landlord give a Notice to Quit without stating a reason?

Yes, but only in limited situations.

For month-to-month or week-to-week tenancies, a landlord may terminate without cause only if the property is not subject to just-cause eviction laws (such as California’s Tenant Protection Act, AB 1482, or local rent control). Retaliatory or discriminatory terminations are prohibited.

Can a landlord give a Notice to Quit before the lease ends?

Yes, but tenants may be liable for unpaid rent or early termination fees unless:

  • The tenant commits a lease violation,
  • The lease or law allows early termination.
  • Tenants may still be liable for unpaid rent unless termination is legally justified (e.g., habitability violations, military service, or landlord breach).

What information must be included in a Notice to Quit?

A California? Notice to Quit must include:

  • Date of Notice: The specific calendar date when the notice is issued.
  • Names of All Parties Involved: Full legal names of the tenant(s) and landlord/property manager.
  • Rental Property Address: Full legal address and unit description.
  • Notice Period: Clearly state the notice length
  • Move-Out Date
  • Reason for Termination
  • Signature of Party Giving Notice: Landlord’s or tenant’s signature depending on who is initiating the notice.
  • Legal Disclaimer: A statement acknowledging that the form complies with California Civil Code Section 1940.

How should a Notice to Quit be delivered in Colorado?

Legal service methods under CCP §1162 include:

  • Personal delivery to the tenant.
  • Leaving with someone of suitable age at the tenant's residence and mailing a copy.
  • First-class or certified mail.
  • Posting on the premises and mailing if other methods are not feasible.

What happens if a tenant doesn’t leave after receiving a Notice to Quit?

If the tenant does not comply or vacate, the landlord may file an Unlawful Detainer lawsuit. If the court rules in favor of the landlord, a writ of possession allows the sheriff to remove the tenant.

Is a Notice to Quit the same as a Notice to Vacate?

In practice, yes. California law does not formally distinguish between the two terms. Both are commonly used to refer to notices that terminate tenancy, though “Notice to Quit” is often associated with lease violations.

Do landlords need to give written notice if their lease is ending?

No. A fixed-term lease automatically ends on its expiration date unless the lease converts to month-to-month. However, written notice is recommended for documentation and move-out coordination.

Can a landlord email a Colorado Notice to Quit?

Only if the tenant has agreed in writing to electronic service. Otherwise, email alone is not sufficient. Valid service must comply with CCP §1162.

Does the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act change notice periods in California?

No. California does not follow the Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. California eviction rules are governed by the California Civil Code and Code of Civil Procedure.

Can a Colorado Notice to Quit be used as a lease termination notice?

Yes, a Notice to Quit can serve as a Lease Termination notice:

  • Week-to-week tenancy: 7-day notice
  • Month-to-month tenancy: 30- or 60-day notice
  • Fixed-term lease: Ends automatically unless early termination is allowed by law or agreement.

Where can I get a Colorado Notice to Quit Form?

You can download a legally compliant, easy-to-use Colorado Notice to Quit Form for landlords or tenants here:

https://www.simplifyem.com/forms/colorado-notice-to-quit

Pro tip bulb icon for SimplifyEm lease agreement advice for landlords and property managers

Pro tip for Property Managers and Landlords

Always use a customizable Colorado Notice to Quit template to ensure compliance with Colorado Uniform Residential Landlord and Tenant Act and simplify modifications or renewals.

Top rated property management software!

Starting at just $18/month, no credit card required.


SimplifyEm 5-star Google rating for top-rated property management software
SimplifyEm 4.5-star G2 rating for top-rated property management software
SimplifyEm 4.1-star Software Advice rating for top-rated property management software
SimplifyEm 4.1-star Capterra rating for top-rated property management software

Choose a Notice to Vacate Agreement Form