Updated 2026 · Colorado Law
Security Deposit Laws in Denver, Colorado (2026)
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, landlords in Denver must return your security deposit within 30 days after you vacate the unit. Failure to comply entitles you to the deposit plus statutory penalties. This page is a plain-language reference to Colorado's security deposit statute as it applies to Denver renters. Denver follows Colorado state law; there is no additional city-specific deposit ordinance.
30
Days to Return
Up to 3× deposit
Penalty
$7,500
Small Claims Limit
Colorado Security Deposit Statute — Quick Reference
Statute
Return Deadline
30 days after tenancy ends — 30 days default; up to 60 days if lease specifies longer period
Penalty
Landlord forfeits the right to keep your deposit; you can recover up to treble (3x) damages, plus court costs
Small Claims Limit
$7,500
Filing Fee
$31–$55
The 30-Day Return Deadline in Detail
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, a Denver landlord has 30 calendar days after the tenancy ends to return your security deposit. If the landlord makes deductions, they must provide a written, itemized statement of each deduction along with copies of receipts, invoices, or estimates supporting each charge.
Important: 30 days default; up to 60 days if lease specifies longer period. The clock starts when the tenancy legally terminates — typically your move-out date or lease end date, whichever is later. To protect your rights, provide your forwarding address in writing on or before your move-out date.
Penalty for Violation
Colorado Statutory Penalty
Landlord forfeits the right to keep your deposit; you can recover up to treble (3x) damages, plus court costs
Cite: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103
Up to 3x the deposit (treble damages). To recover these penalties, file in small claims court in Denver's jurisdiction. You may also send a formal demand letter first — many landlords return deposits once they receive a written legal demand citing the applicable statute.
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Small Claims Court — Colorado
How to find your court
File at the County Court in the county where the rental property is located.
Colorado court finder →Denver Security Deposit FAQ
How long does a Denver landlord have to return my security deposit?
30 days after the tenancy ends if no deductions are made; 60 days if deductions are claimed, under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103(2). The landlord must return the deposit (or the balance after lawful deductions) with a written statement itemizing all deductions. If the tenancy was less than one year, the 30/60-day rule still applies — there is no different rule for shorter tenancies.
What is the penalty if my Denver landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103(3), a landlord who wrongfully retains a deposit may be liable for treble damages — 3x the amount wrongfully withheld — plus court costs. This is one of the highest penalty multipliers in the country. Courts have applied treble damages where landlords failed to return deposits without justification or provided inadequate itemizations.
Must a Denver landlord return the deposit if I gave proper notice of my forwarding address?
Yes. Under Colorado law, the 30-day clock for no-deduction returns begins when the tenancy ends. There is no forwarding address prerequisite in Colorado law (unlike Texas). However, providing a written forwarding address ensures you receive the deposit or itemization and creates a record — send it via email or certified letter.
What can a Denver landlord legally deduct from my security deposit?
Allowable deductions under Colorado law include unpaid rent, damage to the premises beyond normal wear and tear, and costs arising from breach of lease obligations. Colorado courts have consistently excluded routine cleaning and repainting (for normal wear) from allowable deductions. Deductions must be documented — receipts or invoices are expected with the itemization.
How do I sue my Denver landlord in small claims court for my deposit?
File at Denver County Court, Small Claims Division. Colorado's small claims limit is $7,500. Filing fees are approximately $31–$55. Attorneys are not permitted to represent parties in Colorado small claims court. If you prevail, you may recover up to 3x the wrongfully withheld amount plus court costs.
Related Resources
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Create a free Deposit Deadline account to save your move-out date, get email reminders before the 30-day deadline, and generate a state-specific demand letter citing Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103.
This page is a general legal reference for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Security deposit laws may change; always verify the current statute before taking action. Full disclaimer →