El Paso County, CO Rental Property Rules: Just Cause Eviction (2026)
Just cause eviction rules in El Paso County, CO, sometimes called tenant protection or "for cause" eviction ordinances, list the specific legal reasons a landlord can end a tenancy.
Key Facts
- For-Cause Law
- HB 24-1098 (April 2024)
- No-Fault Notice
- 90 days + relocation aid
- Non-Payment
- 10-day demand C.R.S. §13-40-104
- Small Landlord
- Fewer than 5 units exempt
Summary
El Paso County follows Colorado HB 24-1098 which requires just cause for most evictions and lease non-renewals effective April 2024. Tenants in good standing cannot be evicted without statutory cause.
With certain exceptions, the act prohibits a landlord from evicting a residential tenant unless the landlord has cause for eviction. Cause exists only when: A tenant or lessee is guilty of an unlawful detention of real property under certain circumstances described in existing law, as amended by the act; A tenant or lessee engages in conduct that creates a nuisance or disturbance that interferes with the quiet enjoyment of the landlord or other tenants at the property or an immediately adjacent property, or where the tenant negligently damaged the property; or Conditions exist constituting grounds for a "no-fault eviction". The following conditions constitute grounds for a "no-fault eviction" of a residential tenant, with certain limitations: Demolition or conversion of the residential premises; Substantial repairs or renovations to the residential premises; Occupancy of the residential premises is assumed by the landlord or a family member of the landlord; Withdrawal of the residential premises from the rental market for the purpose of selling the residential premises; A tenant refuses to sign a new lease with reasonable terms; and A tenant has a history of nonpayment of rent. If a landlord proceeds with an eviction of a tenant without cause, the tenant may seek relief as provided in existing laws concerning unlawful removal of a tenant and may assert the landlord's violation as an affirmative defense to an eviction proceeding.
Full Breakdown
Colorado's For-Cause Eviction Act (HB 24-1098, C.R.S. §38-12-1301 et seq.) took effect April 19, 2024 and applies in El Paso County. Landlords must state a for-cause reason for eviction or non-renewal of residential leases. Qualifying causes include non-payment, material lease violation, substantial damage, tenant conduct endangering others, and no-fault reasons (landlord move-in, sale to owner-occupant, demolition, major renovation, conversion). No-fault evictions require 90 days notice and may trigger relocation assistance equal to 2 months' rent. Exceptions apply: single-family homes where landlord owns fewer than 5 rentals, first 12 months of a new tenancy, employer-provided housing, and certain subsidized housing. Non-payment evictions require 10-day demand for compliance (C.R.S. §13-40-104). El Paso County Court handles forcible entry and detainer (FED) actions at the Centennial Hall courthouse in Colorado Springs.
Violations & Fines
Self-help eviction (C.R.S. §38-12-510): tenant actual damages plus $50 per day or 3 months' rent. Retaliatory eviction: C.R.S. §38-12-509 defense and damages. Improper notice: case dismissed, landlord refiles with correct notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are typical penalties for violating just cause eviction rules?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in El Paso County
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