State Law Guide · Updated January 2026
Colorado Security Deposit Laws
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103, Colorado landlords must return security deposits within 30 days (up to 60 if specified in lease) of a tenant moving out. Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face penalties of up to Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld.
Quick Answer
In Colorado, landlords have 30 days (up to 60 if specified in lease) to return your security deposit after you move out and provide a forwarding address. The maximum deposit is No statutory limit. If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit, you can sue in Small Claims Court (up to $7,500) and may recover Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld under Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103. Landlords must provide an itemized statement of deductions.
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What Colorado Law Requires
Return Deadline
Landlords have exactly 30 days (up to 60 if specified in lease) to return your deposit after you move out. If they make deductions, they must provide an itemized statement explaining each charge with documentation.
Penalties for Violations
Landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits face Up to 3x the deposit wrongfully withheld. You can file in small claims court for amounts up to $7,500without needing an attorney.
Interest Requirements
No state interest requirement
Common Deductions Landlords Make
Federal guidelines from HUD and the IRS establish "useful life" standards that limit what landlords can charge. Many common deductions are partially or fully invalid under these guidelines.
Carpet Replacement
Typical: $600-2,0005-year useful life per HUD MAP Guide Appendix 5C. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Interior Paint
Typical: $250-8003-year useful life per HUD Handbook 4350.1. Charges may be reduced or invalid based on how long you lived there.
Snow/Ice Damage
Typical: $100-400May be contestable depending on your lease terms and move-in condition.
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HUD/IRS Citations
Useful life depreciation built in
$19 · Avg Colorado deposit: $1,750 · Potential 92x return
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Colorado landlord have to return my deposit?
Colorado's default is 30 days, but leases can extend this to 60 days. Check your lease. After that deadline, the landlord may owe you up to 3x the wrongfully withheld amount.
Is there a security deposit limit in Colorado?
No, Colorado has no statutory limit. However, excessive deposits may be challenged. Most landlords charge one month's rent.
What penalties exist for Colorado landlords who wrongfully withhold deposits?
Colorado has strong tenant protections—landlords who willfully withhold deposits may be liable for up to 3x the amount wrongfully retained, plus attorney fees.
Can I be charged for normal wear and tear in Colorado?
No. Colorado law distinguishes between damage (tenant responsibility) and normal wear and tear (landlord's cost). Faded paint, worn carpet paths, and minor scuffs are normal wear.
City-Specific Rules
Some Colorado cities have additional tenant protections:
- Denver: Denver has additional tenant protections and a housing stability program.
- Boulder: Strong tenant protections. Mobile home pad rent stabilization.
Official Resources
- Colorado Attorney General(Government)
- Colorado Legal Services(Legal Aid)
- Denver County Court(Court System)
Compare Other States
See how Colorado's security deposit laws compare to nearby states:
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Based on Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103 · HUD Handbook 4350.1 · IRS Publication 527