Colorado Security Deposit Deadline

Colorado security deposit deadline guide for renters, including the 30-day default, possible 60-day lease extension, written statement, forfeiture, and seven-day demand step.

Colorado's security deposit deadline starts with two questions: when did the rental agreement terminate, and when did you surrender the key or possession?

The landlord generally must return the deposit or send the required written statement within 30 days after termination of the rental agreement or surrender of the key, whichever is later.

The lease can extend the deadline

Your lease may give the landlord a longer period, but Colorado does not allow that period to exceed 60 days. That means the deadline is usually:

30 days, if the lease does not lawfully extend it
the lease period, if it is longer than 30 days but not more than 60 days

Do not assume the deadline is always 30 days. Read the lease, then keep the date records.

If the written statement is late

If the landlord keeps any part of the deposit, the landlord must send a written statement listing the exact reasons and the remaining balance. If the landlord does not send the statement within the applicable period, Colorado says the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any portion of the deposit.

Watch this step

Before filing for stronger wrongful-retention recovery, send a seven-day written demand. The demand should ask for return of the deposit and state that you intend to file legal proceedings if the issue is not resolved. Keep proof of delivery.

What proof to keep

Keep:

the lease deadline language
termination or lease-end records
key-return or possession-surrender proof
your current mailing or forwarding address notice
move-out photos and videos
the landlord's written statement and documentation
delivery proof for any seven-day demand

Sources used for this guide

Source reviewed: April 2026.

DepositBackUSA - Colorado Recovery System

The Colorado Recovery System keeps the deadline, written statement, seven-day demand, and final escalation in order.

Get the Colorado Recovery System

Important

This page provides general educational information and is not legal advice.