Colorado · Security deposit

Colorado security deposit law

Colorado landlords have 30 days to return a security deposit after you move out. The deposit can’t be more than 2 months’ rent.

The rule

Deposit limit
2 months’ rent
Return deadline
30 days
Interest owed
Not required
Itemized deductions
Required
The limit
Applies to deposits required on or after August 7, 2023. Separate limits apply to pet deposits (§ 38-12-106).
The deadline
Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later; the lease may extend this to no more than 60 days.
Interest
State law doesn’t require interest on the deposit.
Deductions
The landlord must give you an itemized list of anything kept from the deposit.
If it isn’t returned
Wrongful withholding forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit; the tenant may recover three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and costs after giving the landlord 7 days’ written notice of intent to sue.

Law: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5, § 38-12-103

Last reviewed September 30, 2026

Not legal advice. Statutes change; check the linked section.