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Colorado Security Deposit Return Deadline
The rule
| Deadline | 30 days (up to 60 if the lease says so). For tenancies ending in 2026 or later, photos, inspection reports, receipts or estimates supporting a deduction must be provided within 14 days of the tenant's written request. |
|---|---|
| Maximum deposit | 2 months |
| Penalty for wrongful withholding | 3x amount wrongfully withheld, plus fees |
| Statute | C.R.S. § 38-12-103 |
For tenancies ending in 2026 or later, Colorado landlords must provide the photos, inspection reports, receipts or estimates that support a deduction within 14 days of the tenant's written request.
Colorado deadline calculator
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What to send the tenant
Send the remaining deposit, or a written, itemized list of each deduction with its cost (free letter template), to the tenant's forwarding address before the deadline. Keep proof of the date you sent it. Normal wear and tear generally can't be deducted, and a deduction is strongest when your signed move-in report shows the item was in good condition.
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Common questions
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?
Under C.R.S. § 38-12-103, a Colorado landlord has 30 days to return the deposit or send an itemized statement of deductions. Details: 30 days (up to 60 if the lease says so). For tenancies ending in 2026 or later, photos, inspection reports, receipts or estimates supporting a deduction must be provided within 14 days of the tenant's written request.
What is the maximum security deposit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the security deposit limit is 2 months.
What happens if a Colorado landlord misses the deadline or withholds in bad faith?
The penalty in Colorado: 3x amount wrongfully withheld, plus fees. Missing the deadline can also cost the landlord the right to keep any of the deposit.
Last reviewed November 2026. Summary of C.R.S. § 38-12-103, cross-checked against multiple published sources. General information, not legal advice. Laws change, and cities and counties can add requirements. Read the statute or ask a local attorney before you act.