C.R.S. § 38-12-103: Colorado security deposit rules in plain English
What C.R.S. § 38-12-103 says about Colorado security deposits: the cap, the deadline to return the deposit, itemized deductions and interest. Every fact below comes from our statute-checked data. Last verified 2026-10-22.
Quick answer
- Return deadline
- 1 month
- The statute says one month after the lease ends or you hand back the home, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, but never more than 60 days.
- Maximum deposit
- 2 months' rent (since Aug 7, 2023).
- Itemized list
- Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required
- Interest
- Not stated in our verified data
What C.R.S. § 38-12-103 says, as we verified it
Deposit limit
2 months' rent (since Aug 7, 2023).
Full citation: C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103 (as amended by HB25-1249, eff. Jan 1, 2026) Read the official text
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FAQ: C.R.S. § 38-12-103
How long does a landlord have to return a deposit under C.R.S. § 38-12-103?
Under C.R.S. § 38-12-103, a Colorado landlord has 1 month to return the security deposit or send an itemized list of deductions. The statute says one month after the lease ends or you hand back the home, whichever is later. The lease may set a longer period, but never more than 60 days.
Is there a limit on the security deposit in Colorado?
2 months' rent (since Aug 7, 2023).
Does Colorado require an itemized list of deductions?
Yes, an itemized list of deductions is required. Citation: C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103 (as amended by HB25-1249, eff. Jan 1, 2026).
Does the landlord have to pay interest on the deposit in Colorado?
Not stated in our verified data.
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Scan my Colorado leaseGeneral information only, not legal advice. Last verified 2026-10-22. Laws change; verify with the linked source or a licensed attorney.