Colorado security deposit law

Read from the statute itself on 2026-11-09. Statewide rule; a city or county can add its own.

Maximum deposit: 2 months of rent
Return deadline: 30 days
Interest: Not required by the statute

Capped at two monthly rent payments (since Aug 7, 2023), returned within thirty days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders, whichever occurs last. Since Jan 1, 2026, bad-faith withholding and documentation rules are stricter. Post-closing occupancy agreements are exempt from the cap (SB26-054).

Source: C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5; § 38-12-103(1)(a) as amended by HB25-1249 · read on 2026-11-09

Calculate it for your rent

State

Monthly rent ($)

Maximum legal deposit

$5,000

Up to 2 months of rent under C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5; § 38-12-103(1)(a) as amended by HB25-1249.

Return deadline

30 days

30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later, unless the lease allows longer (60 days at most). Any amount kept needs a written statement of reasons and documentation.

Interest required

Not required by the statute

Colorado: Capped at two monthly rent payments (since Aug 7, 2023), returned within thirty days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders, whichever occurs last. Since Jan 1, 2026, bad-faith withholding and documentation rules are stricter. Post-closing occupancy agreements are exempt from the cap (SB26-054).

Source: C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5; § 38-12-103(1)(a) as amended by HB25-1249 · read on 2026-11-09

Colorado: common questions

How much can a landlord charge for a security deposit in Colorado?

Up to 2 months of rent under C.R.S. § 38-12-102.5; § 38-12-103(1)(a) as amended by HB25-1249. Capped at two monthly rent payments (since Aug 7, 2023), returned within thirty days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders, whichever occurs last. Since Jan 1, 2026, bad-faith withholding and documentation rules are stricter. Post-closing occupancy agreements are exempt from the cap (SB26-054).

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?

30 days. 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later, unless the lease allows longer (60 days at most). Any amount kept needs a written statement of reasons and documentation.

Not legal advice. Confirm with a local landlord-tenant attorney before relying on a figure.

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<p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Free <a href="https://www.proprietio.com/tools/security-deposit-calculator">security deposit calculator by state</a> by Proprietio.</p>