El Paso County Eviction Court β Landlord Filing Guide (2025)
Everything Colorado landlords need to file a Forcible Entry and Detainer in El Paso County β fees, courthouse info, timeline, and step-by-step process.
ποΈ El Paso County Courthouse Information
- Courthouse: El Paso County Courthouse
- Address: 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903
- Phone: (719) 448-7700
- Hours: MonβFri, 8:00 AM β 4:30 PM
- Case type: Forcible Entry and Detainer
- Online filing: Available
β οΈ El Paso County β What Landlords Should Know
El Paso County follows standard Colorado eviction procedures.
Need an Eviction Attorney in El Paso County?
Procedural mistakes can get your case dismissed. Get matched with a local El Paso County eviction attorney β free consultation.
Step-by-Step: How to File an Eviction in El Paso County
Serve the Required Notice
Before filing, you must serve a written notice. For non-payment of rent, a 10-day Pay or Quit notice is required. For lease violations, serve a 10-day Cure or Quit notice. Make sure the notice is properly formatted and personally served or posted per Colorado law.
File Your Forcible Entry and Detainer at El Paso County Courthouse
After the notice period expires without compliance, file your eviction complaint at the El Paso County Courthouse (270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903). The filing fee is $85. Bring: your lease agreement, the notice, and proof of service. Online filing is also available.
Serve the Summons on the Tenant
After filing, the court issues a summons. In El Paso County, service is typically handled by the Sheriff's office or a licensed process server for a fee of $40. You must NOT serve the summons yourself β improper service can get your case dismissed.
Attend the Court Hearing
Hearings in El Paso County are typically scheduled 2β3 weeks after filing. Attend with all documentation: lease, notices, payment records, and proof of service. If the tenant doesn't appear, you may receive a default judgment. Come prepared to present your case clearly.
Obtain and Enforce the Writ of Possession
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the clerk. The Colorado Sheriff's office will serve the writ and oversee removal if the tenant refuses to leave voluntarily. Do NOT change locks or remove property yourself β this constitutes illegal self-help eviction in Colorado.
El Paso County Eviction Filing Cost Breakdown
| Cost | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Court Filing Fee | $85 | Paid to El Paso County Clerk of Court |
| Summons Service | $40 | Sheriff or process server fee |
| Writ of Possession | ~$34β$40 | Sheriff enforcement after judgment |
| Attorney (optional) | $400β$1500 | Recommended for contested cases |
Frequently Asked Questions β El Paso County Evictions
How long does an eviction take in El Paso County?
The typical El Paso County eviction takes 3β5 weeks from serving the initial notice to enforcement β assuming the tenant does not contest. A contested eviction can take significantly longer. El Paso County is generally considered a landlord-friendly jurisdiction.
How much does it cost to file an eviction in El Paso County?
The court filing fee in El Paso County is $85. Additional costs typically include: process service or sheriff fee ($40), Writ of Possession enforcement (~$34β$40), and attorney fees if represented ($400β$1500). Total out-of-pocket without an attorney is typically $159β$165.
What court handles evictions in El Paso County?
Evictions in El Paso County are filed at the El Paso County Courthouse, located at 270 S. Tejon St., Colorado Springs, CO 80903. The case type is filed as a Forcible Entry and Detainer.
Can I file an eviction online in El Paso County?
Yes, El Paso County accepts electronic filing for eviction cases. You can file the complaint and pay fees online, though in-person service of process is still typically required.
Do I need a lawyer to evict a tenant in El Paso County?
Colorado law allows landlords to represent themselves in eviction court. However, having an attorney reduces the risk of procedural dismissals and improves outcomes, especially in contested cases.
What happens if the tenant doesn't leave after the eviction judgment in El Paso County?
After a judgment in your favor, request a Writ of Possession from the court. The El Paso County Sheriff's office will then execute the writ β notifying the tenant to vacate, and physically removing them if they refuse. Do NOT attempt to remove the tenant yourself; self-help eviction is illegal in Colorado.
See full Colorado eviction laws and notice requirements.
Colorado Eviction Guide for Landlords βDownload the eviction notice you must serve before filing in Colorado.
Colorado Eviction Notice Templates βIs your tenant facing eviction in El Paso County? See their rights.
Tenant Rights in El Paso County βRelevant Colorado Statutes
- Primary eviction statute: C.R.S. Β§ 13-40-104
- This guide is for informational purposes only. Laws change β verify with current Colorado statutes or a licensed El Paso County attorney.