Your landlord must act within one month after termination (up to 60 days if the lease so provides) under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103. If they missed it, a statute-cited demand letter is the fastest first move.
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| Deadline to return / itemize | within one month after termination (up to 60 days if the lease so provides) |
|---|---|
| Statute | Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103 — read the official text |
| Itemized deduction statement | Required if any portion is withheld |
| Exposure for wrongful withholding | Willful wrongful withholding can make the landlord liable for treble the amount wrongfully withheld, plus attorney's fees and costs. |
| Worth knowing | Tenant must give seven days' notice of intent to sue before filing for treble damages. |
This is general legal information about Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, not legal advice about your situation. Statutes contain conditions and exceptions, and legislatures amend them — always check the official text linked above.
Example: $1,500 deposit wrongfully withheld in full → exposure of up to $4,500 plus attorney’s fees.
Most landlords understand this math, which is why a letter that cites Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103 and states the deadline they missed is often enough to get a check without going to court.
Your deposit amount, move-out date, landlord's address, and what happened. About 3 minutes.
A formal demand letter citing Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103, the 30-day deadline, and the remedies the statute provides.
Printed and sent by USPS Certified Mail with tracking — your proof of delivery if this ends up in small claims court.