Colorado · Property damage

Property damage in Colorado small claims

Someone damaged your property? Recover in small claims.

When someone damages your property — a neighbor, a tenant, a contractor, or another driver — small claims court is often the fastest and least expensive way to recover. Your case turns on proving who caused the damage, the extent of the damage, and what it costs to repair or replace. Documentation is everything: photos of the damage, repair estimates, and any witnesses or communications that establish fault.

In Colorado, small-claims cases are heard in the Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court) and you can sue for up to $7,500.

Good to know: Small claims is a division of the County Court. The official forms and guide refer to it as "Small Claims Court" and the case is filed in the county where a defendant resides, is regularly employed, has a business office, or is a student (or, for restrictive-covenant or security-deposit disputes, where the real property is located). Cases are heard by a magistrate or judge; no jury trials are allowed.

Property damage: steps that matter

  1. Photograph and video the damage immediately and in detail, before any repairs are made.
  2. Get at least one written repair estimate from a professional to establish the dollar value of your claim.
  3. Identify any witnesses and note their contact information.
  4. Send a written demand to the responsible party stating the amount you are seeking and why, and keep proof you sent it.
  5. File in the court for the county where the damage occurred or where the defendant is located.

Filing your Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial (Form JDF 250) in Colorado

  1. Complete Form JDF 250. Fill out the Notice, Claim, and Summons to Appear for Trial (JDF 250), identifying the names and addresses of the plaintiff(s) and defendant(s) in the caption, answering all four questions Yes or No, and writing a brief description of your claim including what you are claiming and the amount requested. If a defendant is a business or entity, look up its registered agent at coloradosos.gov. Complete all 4 parts (7 pages). Do not attach exhibits to the form. Per the guide: "JDF 250 is the initial form that you will need to file a Small Claims Case."
  2. File the form with the county court and pay the filing fee. Take the completed JDF 250 (all four parts / 7 pages) to the clerk's counter in the county court in the proper county and pay the nonrefundable filing fee ($31.00 for claims of $500 or less; $55.00 for claims over $500 up to $7,500). The court completes the section setting the trial date and time. If you cannot afford the fee, file a Motion to File Without Payment and Supporting Financial Affidavit (JDF 205).
  3. Serve the defendant. Have each defendant served with the 'Defendant's Copy' of JDF 250 at least 15 days before the trial date. Service may be made by any person 18 or older who is not a party, by a sheriff or process server, or by certified mail mailed by the clerk (you prepay the certified-mail cost, roughly $5.00 to $15.00). File the completed Affidavit of Service with the court before or on the trial date.
  4. Attend mediation (if required) and the trial. Some small claims courts require mediation before or on the trial date; the parties may reach a stipulation (JDF 75). If no agreement is reached, appear at the scheduled trial with all evidence and witnesses. A magistrate or judge decides the case; jury trials are not allowed.

Filing fees: Filing and service fees are set locally and vary; confirm the current amount with the court. A fee waiver is available if you cannot afford the costs.

Deadline that applies to your property damage

A property damage claim typically falls under the property damage statute of limitations in the state where the damage occurred. If the damage arose from a breach of contract — for example, a service provider who caused damage — the contract period may also be relevant. Confirm which deadline applies to your specific claim with the court.

Property damage: 2 years (3 years if motor-vehicle related) (C.R.S. § 13-80-102)

Answering a lawsuit: On or before the scheduled trial date

Serving the defendant: The defendant must be served with the 'Defendant's Copy' of JDF 250 at least 15 days before the trial date. Service may be by any non-party who is 18 or older, by a sheriff or process server, or by certified mail mailed by the clerk (prepay cost). An Affidavit of Service must be filed with the court before or on the trial date.

Appeals: A party who wishes to appeal must file a notice of appeal within 14 days of the judgment and proceed under C.R.C.P. 411. The appeal goes to the district court in the same county; the appellant must give the appeal paperwork to the county court within 14 calendar days of the decision, and file a copy of the Notice of Appeal and Designation of Record in the district court within 35 days.

All Colorado small-claims deadlines

The table below lists the filing deadlines Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court) applies by claim category. Confirm the exact rule that applies to your property damage claim with your court before relying on any figure.

Claim typeFiling deadline
Contract (C.R.S. § 13-80-101)3 years
Debt on a contract or account (C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5)6 years
Property damage (C.R.S. § 13-80-102)2 years (3 years if motor-vehicle related)
Personal injury (C.R.S. § 13-80-102)2 years (3 years if motor-vehicle related)

Colorado small-claims forms for your property damage case

These forms are published by the Small Claims Court (a division of the County Court). Download and complete them before filing.

This page is general information, not legal advice, and CaseBySelf is not a law firm. Rules, fees, and deadlines change and vary by court: verify with the specific court where you file. Source: Colorado Judicial Branch - Small Claims or County Civil Appeal (self-help). Last reviewed 2026-06-23.