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Colorado security deposit law: deadline, deductions and penalties

Quick answer

In Colorado, a landlord has 60 days to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103). Under Colorado law, a landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit can owe up to three times the amount withheld.

Checked against the statute on October 29, 2026.

60

days for a Colorado landlord to return the deposit or itemize deductions

The deadline

Since January 1, 2026, the landlord must return the deposit, or a written statement of the reasons for keeping any part of it, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises. A lease can set a longer period, up to 60 days.

What the landlord must send you

A written statement of the reasons for keeping any part of the deposit, and on request, within 14 days, the documentation behind it (photos, receipts, invoices or estimates).

If the landlord misses the deadline

A landlord who misses the deadline waives all rights to keep any portion of the deposit (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103).

Penalty for wrongful withholding

A landlord who withholds a deposit in bad faith can be liable for treble damages (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, as amended by HB 25-1249).

Your forwarding address

To claim treble damages for bad faith, the tenant must give the landlord 7 days' notice before filing suit. The demand letter serves as that notice.

Read the law

Summary checked against the statute on October 29, 2026. Not legal advice; laws change, so confirm with the source before relying on it.

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Colorado security deposit FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?

Since January 1, 2026, the landlord must return the deposit, or a written statement of the reasons for keeping any part of it, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises. A lease can set a longer period, up to 60 days.

What must a Colorado landlord send when keeping part of the deposit?

A written statement of the reasons for keeping any part of the deposit, and on request, within 14 days, the documentation behind it (photos, receipts, invoices or estimates).

What happens if a Colorado landlord misses the deadline?

A landlord who misses the deadline waives all rights to keep any portion of the deposit (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103).

What is the penalty for wrongfully keeping a security deposit in Colorado?

A landlord who withholds a deposit in bad faith can be liable for treble damages (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, as amended by HB 25-1249).

Do I need to give my Colorado landlord a forwarding address?

To claim treble damages for bad faith, the tenant must give the landlord 7 days' notice before filing suit. The demand letter serves as that notice.

How do I get my security deposit back in Colorado?

Give your landlord a forwarding address in writing, wait for the 60 days deadline, then send a demand letter by certified mail that cites Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103 and sets a payment date. If the landlord still doesn't pay, you can file in small claims court in the county where the rental is located.

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