Eviction rates have stabilized, remain in normal range
According to data from the Denver County Court, combined with data from the Colorado Judicial Branch statistical report, the Colorado Apartment Association has found that current eviction filings remain in the normal range, according to the numbers compiled over the last 20 years.
Total eviction lawsuit filings throughout the State were 3,871 in September. That is well within the normal range (based on statewide filings over the last 20 years), and even down 110 filings from the month before (3,981 in August). Attached below are the filings graphed out over the last 12 months.
“It’s been a very stable return to normality and flat over the last 4 months,” says Drew Hamrick, general counsel and senior VP of government affairs for the Apartment Association. “Another thing that’s good to keep in mind in monitoring eviction filing numbers is that it takes about three months to complete the eviction lawsuit process, and less than 15% of the filed cases result in a sheriff moveout. Because of that, we know that physical evictions will remain normal for the rest of this year, at something less than 600 per month across the entire state (5.8 million people).”
Historically, fewer than one in seven eviction lawsuits filed in court result in a sheriff-assisted move-out. Because the process takes so long, most eviction lawsuits are settled through late payment or consensual moveout by the resident.
During the pandemic, CAA partnered with the Resident Relief Foundation (RRF), which awards grants to residents who struggle to pay their rent. There is still about $100,000 available in this program. Residents hoping to apply for grants through the Colorado fund can apply online here.
In addition, there is still support available from the American Rescue Plan Act allocated by Congress for those who are at risk of not being able to pay rent. That program is set to end at the end of this year, but funds have not been extinguished to date. For more information, visit the DOLA website.