Colorado security-deposit return deadline

Under Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103, you have 3–60 days from move-out. Enter the date the tenant vacated to get your exact deadlines.

Deadlines per Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103. Colorado statutes change; verify with the current statute. Not legal advice.

What Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103 requires

  • Return deadline: 3–60 days
    • 30 days Default (one month)
    • 60 days Lease specifies a longer period. Only if the lease says so; 60 days is the statutory maximum
    • 3 days Tenant vacates for hazardous gas condition. 72 hours, excluding weekends and holidays
  • Deposit cap: 2 months' rent — Additional refundable pet deposit capped at $300
  • Written statement of exact reasons for any retention, delivered with the balance
  • No statement within the deadline forfeits the right to withhold anything
  • Willful wrongful retention: treble damages plus costs and attorneys' fees

Statutes as of August 2026. Statutes change — verify with the current text of Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103 before relying on a deadline. This is general information, not legal advice; consult a Colorado attorney for your situation.

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