Across the United States, millions will soon be displaced as a result of an imminent eviction crisis. As federal aid draws to a halt—even if temporarily—up to 40 million renters across the country could soon lose their homes, including hundreds of thousands in Colorado, according to some estimates.

How We Got Here

In the early days of the pandemic, local, state, and federal agencies took action to prevent renters from being evicted and homeowners from being foreclosed upon. Denver Mayor Michael Hancock announced March 16 that sheriff deputies would not assist landlords in carrying out evictions—but that only lasted so long. On July 1, the Sheriff’s Department resumed eviction assistance.

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis issued a temporary moratorium on evictions on April 30, but he chose not to extend it after it expired earlier this summer. He did provide some relief for renters, though, by prohibiting landlords across the state from starting eviction proceedings until giving tenants 30 days notice of any default payments (previously only 10 days of notice was required), but that rule will expire August 12.

Perhaps most alarming, on July 25, the federal moratorium on evictions for properties with federally backed mortgages and tenants who rely on government housing expired. That broad provision, which applied to approximately 28 percent of renters in the United States, is now gone unless congressional leaders agree on a new stimulus package. Moreover, the $600 weekly federal unemployment benefit, which roughly 330,000 Coloradans had been receiving, also expired with the eviction moratorium.

Where You Can Find Help

If you’re facing eviction in Colorado, a patchwork of nonprofit organizations and local and state agencies may be able to provide assistance.

Statewide

Denver

Metro Area

Nonprofits and Associations

This is a living resource list. If we missed something, please let us know at digital@5280.com.

Jay Bouchard
Jay Bouchard
Jay Bouchard is a Denver-based writer and a former editor on 5280's digital team.