Move-In / Move-Out Checklist in Colorado

Record the condition of each room on move-in and again on move-out, with photos. It is the best evidence in a security deposit dispute. Some states require a move-in condition form.

What Colorado law says

Itemized deductions	A written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount kept, sent with the balance. Deductions are allowed only for nonpayment of rent, utility charges, other lawful charges listed in the lease, and necessary repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear that did not exist before the tenancy. If the tenant asks in writing within 14 days after receiving the statement, the landlord must provide relevant documentation (photos, inspection reports, receipts, invoices, estimates). Either party may request a walk-through inspection before move-out. No charge for whole-unit carpet replacement or full repainting unless the damage is substantial and beyond normal wear and tear. Carpet not replaced within the prior 10 years cannot be treated as irreparably damaged (§ 38-12-103(11)). Failing to provide a timely statement forfeits the right to withhold any portion (§ 38-12-103(2)). Source: C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (1.5), (8) (as amended by HB 25-1249)
Wear and tear / move-out charges	Defined by statute: deterioration from the intended use of the rental unit, without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse of the premises, equipment or furnishings by the tenant, household members, invitees or guests. No part of a security deposit may be kept to cover normal wear and tear, and any retention requires a written statement listing the exact reasons. No statute addresses cleaning, painting or carpet charges specifically. Deposit rules were amended by HB 25-1249 (2025); check the current § 38-12-103 text for 2025 changes. Source: C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102(4), 38-12-103(1)

Itemized deductions

A written statement listing the exact reasons for any amount kept, sent with the balance. Deductions are allowed only for nonpayment of rent, utility charges, other lawful charges listed in the lease, and necessary repairs for damage beyond normal wear and tear that did not exist before the tenancy. If the tenant asks in writing within 14 days after receiving the statement, the landlord must provide relevant documentation (photos, inspection reports, receipts, invoices, estimates). Either party may request a walk-through inspection before move-out.

No charge for whole-unit carpet replacement or full repainting unless the damage is substantial and beyond normal wear and tear. Carpet not replaced within the prior 10 years cannot be treated as irreparably damaged (§ 38-12-103(11)). Failing to provide a timely statement forfeits the right to withhold any portion (§ 38-12-103(2)).

Source: C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (1.5), (8) (as amended by HB 25-1249)

Wear and tear / move-out charges

Defined by statute: deterioration from the intended use of the rental unit, without negligence, carelessness, accident or abuse of the premises, equipment or furnishings by the tenant, household members, invitees or guests. No part of a security deposit may be kept to cover normal wear and tear, and any retention requires a written statement listing the exact reasons.

No statute addresses cleaning, painting or carpet charges specifically. Deposit rules were amended by HB 25-1249 (2025); check the current § 38-12-103 text for 2025 changes.

Source: C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102(4), 38-12-103(1)

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MOVE-IN / MOVE-OUT CONDITION CHECKLIST — [rental address]

Tenant: [tenant name] Landlord: [landlord name]

Move-in date: [move-in date] Move-out date: [move-out date]

Living room — walls, floors, windows, lights: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Kitchen — appliances, cabinets, sink, counters: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bathroom(s) — toilet, tub/shower, sink, fan: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Bedroom(s) — walls, floors, closets, windows: move-in ____________ / move-out ____________

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms tested: move-in ______ / move-out ______ Keys given: [number of keys]

Photos taken on: [photo dates]. Signed by tenant ____________ and landlord ____________

Move-In / Move-Out Checklist for other states · Colorado tenant rights

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.