Colorado Security Deposit Demand Letter
A free Colorado security deposit demand letter that follows Colorado law. Fill in the boxes, check the rules below, then print or copy it. Keep a copy and proof of how you sent it.
What Colorado law says
| Deposit return 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. |
|---|---|
| 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. |
| Penalty for withholding | Treble (three times) the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. The tenant must first send a demand and notice of intent to sue at least 7 days before filing, and may sue only if the landlord does not return the money within those 7 days. Keeping 125% or more of actual damages is presumed bad faith, and the landlord bears the burden of proof. |
| 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. |
Fill in your letter
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To: [landlord or manager name], [landlord address]
From: [your name], former tenant at [rental address]
I moved out and returned the keys on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[deposit amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date you gave your address].
Under C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1) (as amended by HB 25-1249), a landlord must return the deposit, or send an itemized list of lawful deductions, by the deadline set in that law. I have not received [the deposit / an itemized list].
Please send $[amount owed] to [forwarding address] within [number] days of this letter.
If I do not receive it, I plan to file a claim in small claims court and ask for any additional amount allowed by C.R.S. § 38-12-103(2.5), (3), (3.5) (as amended by HB 25-1249).
Date: [today's date]
Tenant: [your name]
Signature: ____________________
How to send it: use a method you can prove — certified mail with return receipt, or email/text if your lease allows notices that way. Write down the date.
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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.