Colorado Lease Termination

Which notice do I need?

Use the right notice to avoid delays and restarts.

• Length-of-Tenancy Termination Notice (1, 3, 21, 28, or 91 days): Ending a periodic tenancy without a lease violation; the required notice period depends on how long the tenant has lived in the unit (C.R.S. § 13-40-107).
• 10-Day Demand for Compliance or Right to Possession: Unpaid rent or a correctable lease violation (this is a precursor to the Forcible Entry and Detainer process if the tenant does not comply; landlords with a qualifying "exempt residential agreement" may use a shortened 5-day version).
• Notice to Quit (Unconditional): 10-Day Demand for Compliance or Right to Possession: Unpaid rent or a correctable lease violation (this is a precursor to the Forcible Entry and Detainer process if the tenant does not comply; landlords with a qualifying "exempt residential agreement" may use a shortened 5-day version).
• No-Fault Termination Notice (90-Day): Required for covered tenancies of 12 months or more under Colorado's "Cause Required for Eviction" law (HB24-1098) when ending a tenancy for reasons unrelated to tenant conduct, such as a sale, demolition, owner move-in, or substantial repairs.

Why use a Colorado Lease Termination?

A properly executed Colorado Lease Termination Form protects property managers, landlords, and tenants by creating a clear, documented record of when and how a tenancy ends, reducing the risk of disputes over move-out dates, deposits, or unpaid rent.

Key benefits:

• Ensures compliance with Colorado's notice requirements under the Colorado Revised Statutes (Title 13, Article 40 – Forcible Entry and Detainer) and the Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant law (HB24-1098, C.R.S. §§ 38-12-1301 to 1307)
• Documents the reason for termination, protecting landlords against wrongful eviction claims
• Provides a written record of the move-out date for security deposit timelines (Arkansas requires return within 14 business days, or 30 days if deductions apply)
• Creates a paper trail that holds up in court if a dispute arises
• Ensures tenants receive proper advance notice, protecting their rights under state law

Want a faster workflow? Use SimplifyEm Property Management Software to track lease end dates, send notices, and manage move-out documentation - all in one place.

What should be included in a Colorado Lease Termination?

A complete Colorado Lease Termination notice should capture all information required to be legally valid and enforceable:

• Property address (full address of the rental unit)
• Property Manager/Landlord name and contact information
• Tenant name(s) — all tenants on the lease
• Type of notice (1, 3, 21, 28, 91-day, 10-day demand, or 90-day no-fault notice)
• Reason for termination (no-fault, just cause, lease violation, non-payment, etc.)
• Effective move-out date
• Instructions for key return and property condition
• Security deposit reminder (return timeline and deduction rights)
• Forwarding address request (for deposit return and future correspondence)
• Signature and date of the party issuing the notice
• Proof of delivery method (personal service, mail, or posting(required for legal notice))

Related form (authorization): Colorado Notice to Quit, Colorado Rental Credit Check

How should a lease termination notice be delivered in Colorado?

Termination notices must be delivered using an accepted method, and documenting delivery is essential. Common methods include: 

• Personal service: hand directly to the tenant
• Substituted service:  leave with a person of suitable age at the property and mail a copy
• Posting and mailing: post on the main entry door and mail a copy (when the tenant cannot be found)

Improper delivery can invalidate the notice and force the process to restart.

What to Do after the Termination Notice is Served?

After the termination notice is served:

1. Document the delivery — note the date, method (in-person, mail, or posting + mail), and who received it.
2. Confirm the move-out date in writing with the tenant
3. Schedule a move-out walkthrough — Colorado law doesn't mandate a formal pre-move-out inspection, but documenting the unit's condition helps prevent disputes
4. Complete a Move-In / Move-Out Inspection Form to document property condition
5. Process the security deposit within 30 days (or up to 60 days if the lease specifies) of the tenant vacating
6. Provide an itemized statement of any deductions with receipts or estimates
7. Archive the notice and all related documentation for your records

If you manage multiple properties, SimplifyEm helps you track lease end dates, send notices, log inspection results, and manage deposit returns  all within a single property management software workflow.

Why Colorado Landlords & Property Managers Choose SimplifyEm Lease Termination Template?

✅ Legally Compliant – Designed to align with the Colorado Revised Statutes (Title 13, Article 40 and Title 38, Article 12) and the Cause Required for Eviction of Residential Tenant law (HB24-1098), helping reduce legal risk.

✅ Easy to Use – Quickly fill in tenant details, termination reason, notice period, and move-out date without complexity.

✅ Covers All Notice Types – Includes guidance for length-of-tenancy notices, 10-day demands, 90-day no-fault notices, and mutual termination agreements.

✅ Helps Prevent Disputes – Clear, structured documentation minimizes misunderstandings and protects both landlords and tenants.

✅ Built for Property Managers – Ideal for managing multiple properties with consistent, repeatable processes.

✅ Trusted Nationwide – SimplifyEm is a trusted provider of property management tools used by property owners across the United States.

Why choose us