Colorado Law: Plain-English Guides

Key Colorado facts

Security deposit deadline

Within 30 days after the lease ends or the premises are surrendered, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, up to 60 days. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) (as amended by HB 25-1249)

Eviction notice for unpaid rent

10-day written demand to pay rent or deliver possession. Exempt residential agreements get 5 days; employer-provided housing gets 3 days. C.R.S. §§ 13-40-104(1)(d), 13-40-106, 13-40-115(4); 38-12-1502 (added by HB 25-1240)

Small claims limit

$7,500, exclusive of interest and costs (including civil penalties). The same limit applies to replevin, contract specific-performance or rescission, restrictive covenant and HOA assessment actions. C.R.S. § 13-6-403(1); Colorado Judicial Branch, Opening a Case (small claims)

Small estate affidavit

A successor can collect the decedent's personal property (bank accounts, safe deposit box contents, vehicles, stocks, money owed) by presenting an affidavit (form JDF 999) to whoever holds it, if at least 10 days have… C.R.S. § 15-12-1201; JDF 998 (rev. March 19, 2026)

Cost of a protective order

No filing fee for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault (sexual violence) or stalking; otherwise the filing fee is $95, and fee waivers are available. C.R.S. § 13-14-109; JDF 400

Minimum wage

$15.16 per hour in 2026 ($12.14 for tipped employees). Some localities set higher rates; for example, Denver's 2026 minimum wage is $19.29. Colorado minimum wage (COMPS and PAY CALC Orders); CDLE wage and hour page and KNOWLEDGE #1

Final paycheck if fired

Immediately. If the payroll office is not regularly open, pay is due within 6 hours after the start of its next regular workday, or within 24 hours if the payroll office is off-site (delivered to the worksite, local… C.R.S. § 8-4-109(1)(a); CDLE INFO #3A

Time limit to sue on a debt

6 years for actions to recover a liquidated debt or a determinable amount of money due, and for enforcing any instrument that secures or evidences a debt. C.R.S. § 13-80-103.5(1)(a); § 13-80-101(1)(a)