Colorado Security Deposit Law: C.R.S. § 38-12-103 Treble Damages

Colorado Revised Statutes Section 38-12-103

Colorado security deposit disputes are governed by C.R.S. §§ 38-12-101 through 38-12-104.

Statutory Return Timeframe

Under C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), a landlord must return the full deposit within one month (30 days) after termination of the lease, unless the lease agreement explicitly specifies a longer period, which can never exceed 60 calendar days.

The Mandatory 7-Day Demand Notice Prerequisite

To recover treble damages under Colorado law, the tenant must serve the landlord with a formal 7-Day Demand Notice notifying the landlord of intent to initiate legal proceedings under C.R.S. § 38-12-103(3)(a). If the landlord fails to pay within 7 days of receiving the notice, treble damages become mandatory.

Treble Damages and Attorney's Fees

The willful retention of a security deposit in violation of the statute renders the landlord liable for treble (3x) the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney's fees and court costs.