Colorado 21 Day Notice To Vacate

Last Updated: April 4, 2024 by Roberto Valenzuela

Colorado 21 Day Notice To Vacate is a letter that complies with state legal requirements to end a tenancy of one (1) month or longer, but less than six (6) months. The non-terminating party must receive notice at least twenty-one (21) days before the date of termination.

When To Use a Colorado 21 Day Notice To Vacate

A Colorado 21 Day Notice To Vacate is used by either the landlord or tenant to terminate the following types of tenancy:

  • A tenancy of one (1) month or longer, but less than six (6) months.
  • An expired lease
  • A rental situation with no written lease where the tenant pays rent monthly

Some types of Colorado lease termination notice may allow different reasons for termination, or different notice periods. This may also apply to an eviction notice issued because of a lease or legal violation.

How To Write a Colorado 21 Day Notice To Vacate

To help ensure the legal compliance of a Notice To Vacate:

  1. Use the full name of the receiving parties, and address of record, if known
  2. Specify the termination date of the lease or tenancy
  3. Fill in the full address of the rental premises
  4. Provide updated/current address and phone number information
  5. Print name and sign the notice
  6. Complete the certificate of service by indicating the date and method of notice delivery, along with printed name and signature

It is easy to lose an otherwise justified legal action because of improper notice. Check carefully to ensure enough time after notice is delivered, not when it’s sent.

How To Serve a Colorado 21 Day Notice To Vacate

Colorado landlords and tenants may in most cases deliver a written Notice To Vacate using any method which results in the effective delivery of that notice to the other party. The following methods, taken from delivery of an initial eviction notice, provide the legal gold standard under state law: 

  1. Hand delivery to the other party
  2. Hand delivery to a person over age 15 on the property who can accept the notice on behalf of the other party
  3. Only if all forms of hand delivery fail: Posting the notice in a conspicuous place on the premises, such as the entry door

note
In almost all cases, notice is legally served when it is received by the other party, NOT when it’s sent. Check specified date of termination carefully to ensure compliance with the legal requirements for a notice period.

Sources