Get Your Deposit Back

Start based on your situation

• Deposit not returned
• Write a Colorado demand letter
• Check the Colorado deadline
• Unfair deductions
• Move-out checklist
• Read the Colorado statute guide

The short version

Colorado generally gives the landlord 30 days after termination of the rental agreement or surrender of the key, whichever is later, to return the deposit or send the required written statement. The lease can give the landlord more time, but not more than 60 days.

If the landlord keeps money, the written statement must give exact reasons and the remaining balance due. Colorado also limits what can be deducted: ordinary wear and tear and preexisting problems should not be treated like tenant-caused damage.

Watch this step

If you are moving toward court or stronger wrongful-retention recovery, Colorado requires a written demand at least seven days before filing.

That notice should demand return of the deposit and state that you intend to file legal proceedings if the issue is not resolved. Send it in a way you can prove. Also keep proof of your current mailing or forwarding address and proof of when you returned possession.

This is a system, not one letter

One demand letter can help, but Colorado deposit disputes usually work better when the record is built in order: move-out and address, deadline follow-up, seven-day written demand, statute-backed entitlement notice, and final demand if the landlord still does not fix the problem.

1. Step 1 documents move-out, surrender, and your current address.
2. Step 2 follows up after the Colorado timing problem appears and can serve as the seven-day demand.
3. Step 3 presses Colorado Revised Statutes Sections 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103, and 38-12-106.
4. Step 4 gives one final written chance before deciding whether to file.

Useful next pages

• Colorado security deposit demand letter
• Colorado security deposit law explained
• Colorado security deposit deadline
• Colorado security deposit FAQ