Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Colorado

How to recoup rental income from evicted tenant

Good day,

I own a home in Thornton, CO just

outside of Denver. I'm in the military

and rented to a couple last June. I

evicted the couple on Dec 1 for

failure to pay rent. I didn't receive

rent Nov, Dec or Jan and have failed

to receive hundreds in late fees. The

home will be re-rented on Feb 1. The

tenants also failed to pay the water

bill totaling almost $400 that I had to

cover. I know I can take them to

small claims court, but since I was

transferred to Washington DC it will

be challenging.

I have given the former tenant a

number of opportunities to pay what

was owed, but they have not. Are

there options you provide to assist?

The lease also states that the

tenants are responsible for legal fees.

They have moved from Colorado and

now live in Lafayette, Louisiana. I

have their current address and am in

contact with them.

Thank you.


Asked on 1/25/09, 6:29 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: How to recoup rental income from evicted tenant

You need to sue them (small claims court if possible) in Lafayette, Louisiana.

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Answered on 1/25/09, 10:03 pm
Philip Rosmarin Rosmarin Law Firm

Re: How to recoup rental income from evicted tenant

You, or your representative or attorney, may sue them in either Louisiana or Colorado. If you have relatives or someone you trust in Colorado, it may actually be easier to sue in small claims court there, under a delegated power of attorney. For the amount of money involved, it sounds like it would be a bad idea to hire a real attorney, unless you think your former tenants would be frightened into paying you what they owe you if they receive a letter of intention to file lawsuit, from an attorney.

Good luck.

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Answered on 1/26/09, 12:39 pm


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