How long does my Colorado landlord have to return my security deposit?
30 days (up to 60 if specified in lease). Use that period as a starting point, then check the exact trigger, exceptions, and current official source for your dates.
Colorado Security Deposit Demand Letter Template
A plain-language demand letter template organized around Colorado's security deposit laws, with a link to C.R.S. § 38-12-103 and the usual return timing to verify for your facts.
Editable version
Copy and customize the free sample below. If you want your facts and citations assembled into a finished PDF, choose a personalized letter instead.
Reviewed: 2026-08-11
How sources are checked →30-60 days
Usual return period
C.R.S. 38-12-103
Primary Statute
Treble the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs, if the landlord does not return it within seven days after the required demand and notice of intent to sue
Possible remedies and conditions
Free Colorado demand letter template
Copy the structure, replace every placeholder, and check the dates, amounts, and supporting records before you send it.
Use this free template when
- You want a first draft you can send yourself.
- You already know the landlord, property, timeline, and amount you are claiming.
- You are comfortable filling in dates, disputed deductions, and supporting facts manually.
Before you send it
- Enter your exact dates in the calculator because the legal start date and applicable exceptions can change the result.
- Request receipts, invoices, photos, or equivalent records that support any amount kept from the deposit.
- Choose a sending method that fits your documentation needs, and keep both the letter copy and any postal record.
Colorado law summary
Check the deadline, penalty, receipts, and inspection rules.
Colorado deadline calculator
Review a date calculated from your facts before you mail the letter.
How to write a demand letter
Use this if you want the anatomy of the letter before editing the sample.
Certified mail guide
Compare USPS services by the acceptance and delivery records they provide.
Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103 generally requires the deposit balance and exact-reasons statement within 30 days after the later of lease termination or surrender and acceptance, unless the lease specifies no more than 60 days.
Based on the dates and lease period stated above, the applicable return date was [DATE]. Please return $[AMOUNT] and provide the required statement and supporting documents.
Please treat this as my demand for return of the disputed amount and notice that I intend to pursue available legal proceedings if it is not returned within seven days. Any enhanced remedy remains subject to the statute and the facts.
Replace every bracketed placeholder with your facts, dates, deductions, and requested amount before sending.
Want your answers assembled into a finished PDF?
Answer the guided questions to create a personalized PDF, then send it yourself or include one First-Class mailing.
Download the PDF — $19
Download your Colorado letter PDF and send it yourself.
PDF + one First-Class mailing — $39
Review the PDF and recipient address before you approve mailing.
Review the analysis and letter preview before deciding whether to buy.
What to include in a Colorado demand letter
- 130-60 day deadline (per lease)
- 2Written itemized statement required
- 3Exact-reasons statement and refund due together
- 4Request-based walkthrough and 14-day supporting-document response
- 5No deductions for preexisting conditions or normal wear and tear
- 6Conditional treble remedy, attorney fees, and costs after the required 7-day notice
What the personalized PDF includes
Your name, address, and landlord details
Relevant Colorado source citations
The deductions and disputed amounts you enter
Relevant remedy language kept conditional on the required facts
A requested response date you select
Readable PDF format
Frequently asked questions
Questions to check before sending a Colorado demand letter.
What should I check before using this Colorado template?
Confirm every name, address, date, amount, deduction, requested record, citation, and response date before sending the letter.
How should I send a Colorado demand letter?
Choose a delivery method that fits the records you want to keep, and save the final letter with any acceptance or delivery record.
Check the source and deadline
Check the state rule, deadline details, and common deduction issues before relying on a template.
Review Colorado security deposit law summary
Confirm deadline, documentation, and penalty rules before sending.
Colorado deadline calculator
Calculate a date from your move-out facts and review any state-specific triggers.
Colorado small claims court guide
Open current court information if you are considering filing a claim.
Bad-faith evidence guide
Review the facts and legal standard that may affect enhanced remedies.