Security Deposit · CO
Colorado security deposit law
Key rules for landlords and tenants in Colorado, cited to Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5.
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At a glance
- Max deposit
- 2 months' rent (effective August 7, 2023)
- Return deadline
- 30 days (or per lease, up to 60 days)
- Interest required
- No
- Statute
- Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5
- Last reviewed
- June 2026
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?
In Colorado, the deadline is 30 days (or per lease, up to 60 days). That clock runs from move-out and the return of possession, not from the end of the lease.
Colorado law sets the maximum deposit at 2 months' rent (effective August 7, 2023).
Missing the deadline has teeth. Across states, remedies range from losing the right to any deduction to penalty damages plus the tenant's attorney's fees. The itemized deduction statement has to arrive inside the same window to preserve any deduction at all.
Frequently asked questions
What is the maximum security deposit in Colorado?
2 months' rent (effective August 7, 2023). (Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5, last reviewed June 2026.)
How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?
30 days (or per lease, up to 60 days). The landlord must provide an itemized statement of any deductions. Failure to return on time may entitle the tenant to penalties under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-102.5.
Is interest required on security deposits in Colorado?
No. Colorado does not require landlords to pay interest on security deposits under state law.
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