Colorado 10-Day Notice to Pay Rent or Quit (CRS § 13-40-104)

Colorado extended its non-payment notice period from 3 days to 10 days in 2021 under HB 1121. If you're using a pre-2021 template or a generic online form, it may still say "3 days" — that notice is void. Colorado now requires 10 days to pay or quit before you can file a forcible entry and detainer (eviction) action.

What the Notice Must Include

Under CRS § 13-40-104, a valid Colorado pay-or-quit notice must state:

Tenant's full name(s)
Property address
Exact amount of rent owed and the period it covers
A demand to pay within 10 days or vacate
Where and how payment should be made
Landlord's name and address
Date of service

How to Count 10 Days in Colorado

Colorado counts calendar days. If Day 10 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day.

Example:

Notice served Monday June 2
Day 10: Thursday June 12 ← tenant's deadline
If June 12 were a Sunday: deadline moves to Monday June 13

Service Methods in Colorado

Colorado permits:

Personal delivery to the tenant
Leaving with an adult member of the household plus mailing a copy
Posting on the main entry door plus mailing first-class mail

For posting + mail service, the 10-day period begins the day after the notice is both posted and mailed.

Rent Assistance Programs — Colorado Requirement

Colorado law encourages landlords to notify tenants of available rental assistance programs. While not strictly required in the notice itself, including information about local rental assistance resources is good practice and may be required in some jurisdictions. Check your county requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I include late fees in a Colorado pay-or-quit notice?

Colorado does not have California's strict late fee exclusion, but demanding only base rent keeps the amount clean and unambiguous. Check your lease for authorized fee provisions.

What if the tenant pays after 10 days but before I file?

If you accept payment after the 10-day period, you generally waive the notice. Do not accept payment if you intend to proceed with filing.

Generate a Colorado 10-Day Notice

NoticeGen generates a HB 1121-compliant Colorado notice with correct 10-day deadline calculation and full service documentation.

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Not legal advice.

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