Fort Collins Real Estate Lawyers — Property Disputes and Litigation in Larimer County
Fort Collins’ real estate market has been one of Colorado’s most competitive for years — driven by population growth, CSU’s steady expansion, a strong local economy, and consistent demand for both residential and commercial property throughout Larimer County. That level of market activity brings with it a consistent volume of real estate disputes: failed transactions, title complications, landlord-tenant conflicts, commercial lease disagreements, and boundary disputes that require experienced local legal counsel. Burnham Law’s Fort Collins real estate attorneys handle transactions, disputes, and litigation for buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers throughout Larimer County.
Meet our Fort Collins civil litigation team below — attorneys experienced in real estate transactions, property disputes, title issues, and commercial real estate litigation throughout Larimer County and Northern Colorado.
Andrew is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in navigating complex legal challenges. He has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including consumer protection matters, breach of warranty claims against major automotive manufacturers, mass tort litigation, and disputes with oil and gas companies. Andrew's approach is to combine meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving, a strategy that has consistently led to favorable outcomes for his clients. Throughout his career, Andrew has resolved hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration. His dedicated work has resulted in millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He is committed to achieving the best possible results, drawing on his extensive experience to provide comprehensive and effective legal counsel.
Brandon has partnered with business owners across every stage of the business lifecycle. His experience spans pre-litigation, third-party disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and business formation, as well as day-to-day advisory services. He is also a seasoned guide in complex transactions, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Brandon has counseled clients through transactions ranging from several hundred thousand to mid-eight figures. Regardless of the deal’s scale, his objective remains steadfast: to provide a positive, measurable impact on his clients and their long-term business health. Brandon assists clients through all phases of litigation, from initial dispute resolution to mediation and arbitration. His background in transactional law provides him with a unique edge; having drafted the very contracts that often become the subject of legal disputes, he utilizes that intimate knowledge to navigate litigation effectively and help clients avoid future risks. When he is away from his practice, Brandon stays active by golfing and going to the gym. A self-proclaimed bourbon...
Brian Teed is a civil litigation attorney. He specializes in complex motions practice and appeals. Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he distinguished himself by interning for federal district judges and working for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. He also served on the executive board of the Arizona State Law Journal and published two articles on constitutional issues. After graduating, Brian clerked on the Arizona Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. At Burnham, he has served clients with litigation and transactional needs, whether negotiating, litigating, or advising on the best path forward. Some of his successes include the defense of two six-figure judgments on appeal. From this broad experience, Brian is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the complexities and stress of civil litigation, including appeals.
Bryon has more than a decade of experience in probate, trust administration, and estate planning. His probate experience includes contesting fraudulent wills and litigating terms of estate plan documents. In preparing estate plans, Bryon emphasizes helping clients pass on as much of their estates to their loved ones as possible through careful and regular review by clients. Bryon also has experience in representing landlords in evictions, contracts, commercial sales transactions, public bidding, and special taxing districts. When not serving clients, Bryon enjoys camping, off-roading, and traveling with his family.
Before law school, Chris was a Television Broadcast News Reporter for NBC KOMU TV-8 and a Radio Broadcast News Reporter for NPR KBIA 91.3. During law school, Chris clerked for the General Counsel of a Major International Airline, he clerked for the Chief Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Southern District, he clerked for a small civil litigation and real estate law firm in Columbia, and he was a summer intern at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C. in Kansas City. After law school, Chris became an Associate Attorney at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C.’s Country Club Plaza office eventually earning an Equity Shareholder Position. Since moving to Colorado in 2011, Chris has been a Business Operations Manager at a Denver-based multi-million dollar company, he has been a Contract Attorney for a medical device publicly-traded company, he has been a Staff Attorney at a boutique law firm providing bankruptcy legal services to consumers, and he has been the Bankruptcy...
Prior to joining Burnham, Cody began his career at a general practice law firm focusing primarily on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, probate, and oil and gas. Since then, he has honed his skills as an advocate with a focus on assisting his clients in navigating all stages of litigation and arbitration. Specifically, Cody has done multiple trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions, obtaining efficient and favorable results for his clients. As a result of this experience, Cody is keenly aware of the litigation process, and the strategic nuances that lead to success before and during trial. Cody is also an experienced corporate attorney who assists clients in business/shareholder disputes, transactions, and corporate structuring in a wide variety of industries, including construction, real estate acquisition and development, lifestyle brands, and many more. In his off time, Cody enjoys hiking, skiing, trying some of Denver’s best places to eat, and spending time with his Labrador Ollie.
David is a highly experienced litigator and trial attorney focusing on commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitrations. He has been representing individuals and businesses for over three decades and is a relentless advocate and seasoned trial attorney. David has honed his skills practicing with both international firms (Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Dorsey & Whitney, and Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani), and respected local firms. He possesses extensive first-chair experience in civil trials, arbitrations, and appeals, offering clients dedicated and intense focus in a wide range of complex commercial matters. David grew up in Loveland, Colorado and attended the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business on a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship, earning a degree in Finance/Real Estate. He later received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a member of the prestigious Minnesota Law Review and a director of the International Moot Court. David started his legal career in Kansas City focusing on pharmaceutical products liability litigation, before...
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Kate strives to have a client-oriented practice where she can assist her clients in all stages of litigation. Prior to joining Burnham, Kate was an associate at an AmLaw Firm where she worked on various types of complex litigation representing large corporations, municipalities, and individuals. Before going into private practice, Kate was an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County where she tried over twenty cases. Kate has been able to develop a well-rounded practice by working in both the private and public sectors. Kate has honed her skill sets from her prior experience so she can be a zealous advocate for her clients. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.
Katlyn Schafer is passionate about helping her clients navigate their legal challenges by providing clear guidance, practical solutions, and strong advocacy at every stage of the process. Her practice spans a wide range of civil matters including personal disputes, consumer protection disputes, regulatory and administrative disputes, environmental disputes, and many others. Prior to joining Burnham Law, Katlyn worked as an Associate Attorney providing representation in worker's compensation disputes. During law school, Katlyn served on the editorial board for the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. She interned with the Idaho Office of the Attorney General and gained experience working as a student-attorney to provide pro bono legal representation to various nonprofits in the New England area. In her free time, Katlyn can be found frequenting thrift stores, exploring the Colorado wilderness, and watching scary movies with her partner James and their pets, Gracie and Koda
Kayla is known for her effective legal strategies and creative solutions in resolving a wide range of disputes, including contractual issues, landlord/tenant matters, boundary disputes, and HOA conflicts. Kayla believes in understanding her clients' unique goals to secure the most beneficial results for them. Beyond her practice, Kayla is highly engaged in the legal community through volunteer board positions aimed at encouraging growth and supporting diverse voices. Her professional excellence has been consistently recognized, including being named a Top Attorney by Colorado Springs Magazine multiple times and a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, spending time with her daughter, and exploring the outdoors. She is an accomplished runner, having completed challenging races like numerous half marathons and the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Logan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University at Albany, and recently earned his J.D. from William and Mary Law School. Before entering law school, Logan spent time working in the in-house legal department of a 3rd party commercial lending company. In this role he assisted with business development projects with clients ranging from local coffee shops to large commercial developers in New York City. Prior to joining Burnham, Logan began his legal career at a local Denver law firm primarily practicing civil litigation defense. Since joining Burnham, Logan has represented a diverse range of clientele ranging from individuals engaged in civil disputes to general commercial litigation. Logan has successfully negotiated various settlements in his clients’ favor, both prior to and after commencement of litigation, in case types such as breach of contract, property damage, negligence, partition, fraud, landlord/tenant disputes, and bad faith insurance denial. In his free time, you can find Logan on one of the...
Sam focuses his practice on general litigation, transactional work—aiding small businesses and assisting in acquisitions—business litigation and breakups, and administrative work. Prior to joining the Burnham Law Firm, Sam acted as counsel at a major ski company and then in a firm setting. Sam is keenly aware of the fact that litigation can be stressful and complex. His background complements his ability to provide competent guidance and critical thinking to his clients’ cases and the corollary issues which stem from them. In his free time, Sam loves to backcountry ski, race road and mountain bikes, cook, read, play guitar, and sail.
Zac focuses mainly on civil litigation, and has experience with real estate litigation, real estate transactions and estate matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree at the University of Tennessee. In law school, he was a member of the Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and a student-attorney in the Business Clinic. In his spare time, Zac enjoys spending time with his wife and dog outdoors hiking, going to various restaurants, and being with friends. Zac is a die-hard Minnesota sports fan and Tennessee Volunteer fan.
Real Estate Law in Fort Collins, Colorado
Colorado real estate law governs the full range of property-related legal matters — purchase and sale transactions, title examination, landlord-tenant relationships, boundary and easement disputes, commercial leasing, and development-related issues. In Fort Collins, those issues arise in a market with distinct characteristics: strong demand for residential property driven by CSU’s presence and the region’s quality of life, significant rental housing serving a large student and young professional population, commercial development along Harmony Road, Timberline Road, and the I-25 corridor, and investment property activity throughout the county.
Colorado real estate transactions are typically documented on Colorado Real Estate Commission standard forms, which provide a framework but allow significant room for negotiation — and disputes frequently arise over what negotiated terms actually required, who bears responsibility for conditions discovered during due diligence, and what happens when one party fails to perform. The Fort Collins market’s competitive nature — with frequent multiple-offer situations, waived contingencies, and quick closings — can create transaction disputes that less competitive markets rarely see.
Colorado has specific statutes governing landlord-tenant relationships, HOA-governed communities, and condominium ownership. Fort Collins’ large student rental population, significant CSU-affiliated housing market, and established HOA community structure all create a consistent demand for attorneys who understand these frameworks and can apply them effectively in Larimer County.
What Our Fort Collins Real Estate Attorneys Handle
Real estate transaction disputes: When purchase and sale transactions in Fort Collins go wrong — over inspection contingencies, title defects, financing failures, or earnest money disputes — the parties’ rights depend on the precise contract terms and Colorado real estate law. We represent buyers, sellers, and investors in disputes arising from contested or failed real estate transactions throughout Larimer County.
Commercial leasing disputes: Fort Collins’ commercial real estate market — retail along College Avenue and Harmony Road, office and tech space in the Old Town and Midtown corridors, industrial and flex space near the airport and I-25 — generates commercial lease disputes requiring experienced litigation counsel on both sides.
Title defects and boundary disputes: Title defects — undisclosed liens, easement conflicts, boundary encroachments, and ownership disputes — require quiet title actions and related proceedings to resolve. We handle title litigation in Larimer County and work closely with title companies and surveyors to establish and clear property rights.
Student and residential landlord-tenant litigation: Fort Collins’ large student population and active rental market create a significant volume of landlord-tenant disputes — security deposit claims, habitability issues, lease enforcement, and eviction proceedings. We represent both landlords and tenants in these matters in Larimer County.
HOA and community association disputes: Larimer County has a large number of HOA-governed communities, and disputes between owners and associations — over assessments, architectural restrictions, rule enforcement, and governance — require attorneys who understand Colorado’s Common Interest Ownership Act and how community association disputes play out in practice.
Real estate fraud and misrepresentation: When sellers, brokers, or developers misrepresent property conditions, zoning status, or other material facts, the resulting claims involve breach of contract and civil fraud theories. We pursue and defend real estate fraud claims throughout Larimer County with the investigative depth these cases require.
How Fort Collins Real Estate Cases Work
Real estate disputes in Larimer County are heard in Larimer County District Court in Fort Collins. The applicable procedures vary by dispute type — CDARA’s framework applies to construction defects affecting real property; Colorado’s unlawful detainer statute governs residential and commercial evictions with specific notice requirements; quiet title actions follow standard civil procedure with additional steps for identifying and notifying all parties with potential claims against the property.
Many Fort Collins real estate disputes — particularly purchase transaction failures and residential landlord-tenant matters — are well-suited to mediation. The Colorado Real Estate Commission contract forms include dispute resolution provisions that often apply, and many commercial leases require mediation before litigation can proceed. Cases that can’t be resolved through negotiation or mediation move through standard civil litigation in Larimer County District Court.
Real estate litigation requires comprehensive documentary evidence — the contract, title commitment and exception documents, inspection reports, correspondence between the parties, and expert testimony on value or condition when those issues are in dispute. In cases involving CSU-affiliated or student housing, additional documentation about the applicable housing standards and the parties’ respective obligations may be required. Building a complete record from the earliest stage of a dispute preserves all available options.
Why Burnham Law for Real Estate Disputes in Fort Collins
Fort Collins and Larimer County market knowledge. Real estate disputes here require attorneys who understand this market — the competitive transaction dynamics, the student rental sector, the commercial real estate landscape, and the HOA environment that characterizes much of Larimer County’s residential development. We practice in this market regularly.
Student housing and CSU-related matters. Fort Collins’ large student population creates a category of real estate legal issues — student lease disputes, security deposit claims, habitability standards in student housing, and CSU-adjacent commercial property — that are specific to this market and arise with regularity.
Both sides of landlord-tenant disputes. We represent landlords and tenants in lease and eviction disputes. Dual-side experience gives us a realistic understanding of both perspectives and makes us more effective advocates regardless of which side we represent in a given matter.
Transaction and litigation capability. Real estate problems that start as transaction issues can evolve into litigation, and litigation that resolves may require transaction work to implement. Having attorneys who are effective on both sides of that line means clients don’t need to change counsel as their situation develops.
Frequently Asked Questions — Fort Collins Real Estate Lawyers
What should I do if a seller didn’t disclose a defect on my Fort Collins home?
Colorado requires residential sellers to disclose known material defects through the Seller’s Property Disclosure. If a seller knew about a material defect and failed to disclose it — or actively misrepresented the property’s condition — the buyer may have claims for breach of contract, fraudulent misrepresentation, and negligent misrepresentation. Available remedies can include rescission of the purchase, damages for the cost of remediation, and in fraud cases, potentially punitive damages. The strength of the claim depends on what the seller knew and how the property’s condition was represented during the transaction.
How do I evict a tenant in Fort Collins?
Residential evictions in Fort Collins begin with proper written notice to the tenant — the type and duration depends on the basis for eviction. For non-payment of rent, Colorado requires a specific demand notice. For lease violations, a notice to comply or quit is required. If the tenant doesn’t comply within the notice period, the landlord files an unlawful detainer action in Larimer County Court. After a hearing, if the court rules for the landlord, a writ of restitution is issued and enforced by the Larimer County Sheriff. Errors in the notice or filing process can require restarting the entire timeline.
What special rules apply to student housing rentals in Fort Collins?
Student housing rentals in Fort Collins are subject to the same Colorado landlord-tenant statutes that apply to all residential leases — including security deposit rules, habitability standards, and eviction procedures. However, CSU’s proximity creates some practical distinctions: many student leases run on academic-year schedules, lease-breaking disputes are common when students transfer or withdraw, and security deposit disputes are frequent in high-turnover student properties. Both landlords and tenants in the student housing market benefit from understanding their rights under Colorado’s residential landlord-tenant statutes.
What is a quiet title action and when is one needed in Larimer County?
A quiet title action is a lawsuit filed in Larimer County District Court to definitively establish ownership of real property and clear competing claims or title defects. Common situations requiring quiet title in Fort Collins include old unresolved liens from prior transactions, conflicting deed records, adverse possession claims, and easement disputes arising from the region’s evolving land use history. The court judgment in a quiet title action permanently clears the title and is binding on all identified parties, allowing the property to be freely bought, sold, and financed going forward.
What happens when a competitive Fort Collins real estate offer falls through after the inspection period?
If a buyer exercises a valid inspection contingency to terminate within the allowed window, they are generally entitled to return of their earnest money. If the buyer attempts to terminate outside the contingency window or for a reason not permitted by the contract, they may forfeit the earnest money and potentially face additional damages claims from the seller. Fort Collins’ competitive market — with frequent waived or compressed contingency periods — makes the precise terms of the purchase contract especially important in these disputes. The analysis is highly fact and contract-specific.
Schedule a Consultation with a Fort Collins Real Estate Lawyer
Real estate disputes in Larimer County involve significant financial stakes and legal frameworks that require experienced local counsel. Whether you’re in a transaction that’s going sideways, a landlord-tenant dispute that has escalated, or a title or property rights conflict that needs resolution, getting qualified legal help early protects your options and your investment.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Fort Collins real estate attorneys represent buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, investors, and developers throughout Larimer County and Northern Colorado.
