An effort between Adams County and a housing nonprofit have created a mediation program to help cut down on forced evictions.

Colorado Housing Connects has operated a helpline to offer statewide housing information to property owners and renters alike.

Operators at the help line, 1-844-926-6632, have provided information about HUD-approved housing counseling agencies throughout Colorado for foreclosure prevention since 2014.

Now the group has launched a mediation program to help mitigate landlord-tenant disputes in Adams County. The goal of the program is to divert parties away from court-sanctioned eviction proceedings and to work toward mutually agreed upon alternatives between renters and landlords, according to a written statement.

Alternatives can include rental assistance, payment plans, lease compliance and more.

State data shows 2,445 eviction cases have been filed in Adams County in 2022 as of May 31.

“Far too often, we hear from tenants and landlords at their wit’s end. The relationship has eroded, and communication is strained,” said Colorado Housing Connects Program Director Patrick Noonan. “This can lead to eviction, other litigation, or lease non-renewal. Mediation is an opportunity for both parties to come to the table and work out an agreement that spares landlords avoidable costs and tenants an eviction. A tenant-landlord mediator can cut out the emotion and support a solution driven discussion.”

The program is designed to help those who are concerned about paying rent, residents who are worried that rental assistance won’t come soon enough and those who are experiencing lease disputes or violations.

Outside of Adams County, Colorado Housing Connects offers tenant-landlord mediation services to Denver residents. The Denver tenant-landlord mediation program serves for all manner of housing disputes, including maintenance issues, lease disputes, security deposit disagreements and more.

Housing nonprofit Brothers Redevelopment operates Colorado Housing Connects in partnership with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs. To learn more, visit the group at coloradohousingconnects.org.