Colorado Security Deposit Law
Return deadline, statute, and penalties for Colorado renters.
Return deadline
30 days
30 days (HB 25-1249, effective January 1, 2026), or up to 60 days if the lease says so.
Penalty for late or wrongful withholding
Up to 3× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees, if not returned within 7 days of the tenant's written demand and notice of intent to sue
Governing statute
Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103
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Check my Colorado deadlineColorado security deposit questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, a Colorado landlord generally has 30 days to return the deposit or provide an itemized statement of deductions. 30 days (HB 25-1249, effective January 1, 2026), or up to 60 days if the lease says so.
What happens if a Colorado landlord returns the deposit late?
Up to 3× the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney fees, if not returned within 7 days of the tenant's written demand and notice of intent to sue. Courts usually decide whether a penalty applies, and many states require showing the landlord acted in bad faith.
Can a Colorado landlord deduct from my deposit?
Landlords can generally deduct for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, and must explain deductions in writing.
How do I demand my security deposit back in Colorado?
Send your landlord a written demand letter that cites Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, states the amount owed, and sets a deadline to pay. Send it by certified mail and keep a copy. If the landlord doesn't pay, the letter is useful evidence in small claims court.
Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Read the official text of Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103. This page is general information, not legal advice. See our terms of use.