Colorado Deposit Itemization Law at a Glance
Governing Statute
Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103 — Security Deposits
Itemization Requirement
Your landlord must provide an itemized statement of deductions within 60 calendar days after termination of the lease or surrender of premises.
Allowable Deductions
Unpaid rent, repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, and unpaid utilities if provided for in lease. Landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
Normal Wear & Tear
Deterioration that occurs based upon the use for which the rental unit is intended without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse.
Penalty for Wrongful Withholding
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to treble (triple) the amount wrongfully withheld under Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103(3).
Key Facts
- Maximum deposit: No statutory limit (negotiable)
- Itemization required: Within 60 calendar days
- Small claims limit: $7,500
Additional Protections
- Landlord must return deposit within 60 days (or 72 hours if hazardous conditions)
- Treble damages available for willful retention
What Your Colorado Dispute Letter Includes
Every letter is built from Colorado's actual statute — not a generic template.
Itemization Requirements
Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103 cited by section number. Your landlord sees you know the specific rules they must follow.
Disputed Deductions
Each disputed charge identified with your specific reasons, tied to Colorado law.
Wear & Tear Standard
Deterioration that occurs based upon the use for which the rental unit is intended without negligence, carelessness, acc...
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Colorado Deposit Itemization FAQ
What are the security deposit itemization requirements in Colorado?
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103, your landlord is required to provide an itemized statement of deductions within 60 calendar days after termination of the lease or surrender of premises. The itemization must list each deduction, the amount, and the reason.
What deductions can my Colorado landlord legally take from my deposit?
In Colorado, allowable deductions are limited to: Unpaid rent, repair of damages beyond normal wear and tear, cleaning, and unpaid utilities if provided for in lease. Your landlord cannot deduct for normal wear and tear.
What counts as normal wear and tear in Colorado?
In Colorado: Deterioration that occurs based upon the use for which the rental unit is intended without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse. Examples include minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet from foot traffic, faded paint, and small nail holes.
What happens if my Colorado landlord wrongfully withholds my deposit?
If your landlord wrongfully withholds your deposit or fails to provide proper itemization, you may be entitled to treble (triple) the amount wrongfully withheld under Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103(3). You can pursue this in small claims court.
Can I sue my landlord in small claims court in Colorado?
Yes. Colorado small claims court handles cases up to $7,500. Security deposit disputes are one of the most common small claims cases.
Do I need a lawyer to dispute deposit deductions in Colorado?
No. A dispute letter is a formal written challenge, not a lawsuit. You can send one yourself. Our tool generates a Colorado-specific dispute letter citing Colo. Rev. Stat. §38-12-103 and your state's itemization requirements so your landlord knows you understand your rights.
Deposit Itemization Dispute Letters by State
Select your state to see your specific rights and generate your letter.