Colorado Security Deposit Laws

Colorado limits security deposits to two months' rent and requires landlords to return deposits within 30 days (or up to 60 days if the lease specifies) with an itemized statement of deductions.

Key Rules

Limit: 2 months' rent
Return Deadline: 30 days after tenancy (60 days if lease specifies)
Interest Required: No statewide requirement
Itemization Required: Yes — written itemized statement required
Penalty For Wrongful Withholding: Landlord liable for triple the wrongfully withheld amount

Some citations below have not been confirmed against their official source. Confirm current requirements with local legal aid or an attorney.

Applicable Statutes

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102

Definitions for Colorado's security-deposit law: "normal wear and tear" means deterioration from the rental unit's intended use, without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse by the tenant, their household, invitees, or guests; "security deposit" means any advance or deposit of money, whatever it is called, whose primary function is to secure the performance of a rental agreement.

Source confirmed September 5, 2026 · Official state source

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“38-12-102. Definitions. As used in this part 1, unless the context otherwise requires: (1) "Home owner" has the meaning set forth in section 38-12-201.5 (2). (…”

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103

Return of security deposit: landlord must return the full security deposit within one month after the lease terminates or the premises are surrendered and accepted, whichever occurs last, unless the lease agreement specifies a longer period not to exceed sixty days. A landlord who fails to provide a timely written itemization of any withheld amount forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit, and willful wrongful retention makes the landlord liable for triple the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney fees and court costs.

Source confirmed September 3, 2026 · Official state source

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“38-12-103. Return of security deposit. (1) A landlord shall, within one month after the termination of a lease or surrender and acceptance of the premises, whi…”

Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-104

Limit on security deposits: security deposit may not exceed two months' rent.

Not confirmed against its source · checked August 10, 2026