Eric Mayne has spent the past 10 years managing properties as a landlord across the Denver metro area. And if there’s one thing he’s learned in the business, it’s that eviction is a terrible process — one he hates having to carry out, he said.
In his experience, Mayne said that when he does have to evict tenants, it’s usually because of the tenants’ own actions. But a recent experience with a tenant caring for her severely disabled son put him in a difficult position.
The tenant faced a sudden crisis when her only source of income — her job as a certified nursing assistant — was cut off after her license was revoked due to a clerical error. As the sole caregiver for her severely disabled son, she quickly fell behind on rent. Mayne, though reluctant, had to issue a 10-day demand for payment or possession — a necessary step as the situation moved toward eviction.
Given the circumstances, Mayne felt relieved when his attorneys told him that mandatory tenant-landlord mediation would be required in the case, describing it as almost a welcome distraction. That’s when he connected with Colorado Housing Connects (1-844-926-6632) and its free tenant-landlord mediation services, which aim to resolve housing disputes and help divert eviction proceedings toward solutions like rental assistance, payment plans, and lease compliance.
Through mediation, the tenant received hands-on support to help stabilize her situation. At the initial session, Colorado Housing Connects mediator Julie Manning worked with her to create an action plan and promised to check in every other day — a promise she kept, even personally visiting when the tenant’s phone was disconnected. Julie and fellow mediator Samuel provided a detailed list of resources, and thanks to their persistence, the tenant was able to secure a range of assistance, ultimately allowing her and her son to remain in their home.
“I just thought (mediation) made such a difference, and I’m so, so glad that we were able to avoid an eviction,” said Mayne.
In 2024, Colorado Housing Connects provided mediation services in more than 200 cases, helping tenants and landlords resolve disputes, avoid eviction, and preserve housing stability.
Mediation provides a confidential, effective alternative to court that not only protects housing for tenants but also saves landlords time and money. Tenants facing rent challenges, delays in rental assistance, or lease violations can benefit from this approach — while landlords can avoid the financial and logistical burden of eviction filings, turnover expenses, and vacancies.
“I think the county should really look at expanding the program,” said Mayne. “I hate to think of people being evicted who could’ve been helped if the Adams County Mediation Service had been there.”