Colorado landlords should not keep deposit money for ordinary wear and tear. The hard part is proving the difference between normal use and tenant-caused damage.
Plain-English examples
Normal wear can look like aging, fading, light scuffs, worn carpet paths, loose hardware from normal use, or minor marks that come from ordinary living.
Damage is different. It can include broken fixtures, missing items, large stains, holes, pet damage, heavy neglect, or cleaning and repair work tied to a real lease responsibility.
Preexisting conditions matter
Colorado source materials also say a landlord cannot withhold for damage or defective conditions that preexisted the tenancy. Move-in photos, inspection notes, emails, and repair requests can matter if the landlord is blaming you for something that was already there.
What to do if the charge is unfair
Ask for the exact written reason, supporting documentation, photos, invoices, and the timeline. Compare those records against your move-in proof and move-out photos.
The Colorado Recovery System helps you challenge unsupported damage, cleaning, ordinary-wear, and preexisting-condition deductions in order.
Get the Colorado Recovery SystemRelated pages
Important
This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.