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

In Colorado, a landlord must return the deposit, with an itemized statement for any deductions, within 30 days of move-out. One month, or up to 60 days if the lease specifies.

What is the small claims limit for a deposit dispute in Colorado?

Small claims court in Colorado handles disputes up to $7,500.

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Colorado security deposit law

⚠️ Not legal advice. DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Return deadline

30 days

One month, or up to 60 days if the lease specifies.

Small claims limit

$7,500

What you need to know

• Deposit due within one month (up to 60 days if the lease says so).
• Willful retention costs triple damages plus attorney’s fees, and missing the written statement forfeits deductions.

Itemization: Written statement of deductions required; failing to provide it forfeits the right to withhold.

Interest: No statewide interest requirement.

Deposit cap: No statutory cap.

If they wrongfully withhold: Willful retention: 3x the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney’s fees.

Statute: C.R.S. § 38-12-103

What’s at stake for you?

Deadlines and penalties are state law — check yours, then lock in the evidence.

Your state

Your security deposit ($)

💰 At stake: your $1,500 deposit.

⏱ Deadline: Colorado landlords must act within 30 days of move-out. One month, or up to 60 days if the lease specifies.

⚖️ Your leverage: wrongful withholding could cost your landlord up to $4,500 (Willful retention: 3x the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney’s fees.)

🏛 If it comes to it: small claims in Colorado handles up to $7,500 — no lawyer needed.

None of this matters without evidence.

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⚠️ Estimates for general information only — not legal advice and not guaranteed to be accurate. State laws change; verify current law before relying on this. Actual outcomes depend on the facts, your local law, and the courts.

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DepositShield is not a law firm and this is not legal advice. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate, complete, or current — laws change and vary by city and situation. Verify it with an official source and consult a licensed attorney or your local tenants’ rights organization before relying on it or acting. Using DepositShield does not create an attorney-client relationship.