Colorado Landlord-Tenant Laws
This overview summarizes common Colorado landlord-tenant topics using published statute references (Colorado Revised Statutes 38-12). Laws change — confirm details with official sources.
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Colorado at a glance: Security deposit limit: 2 months' rent. Return deadline: 30 days. Month-to-month notice: 21 days. Source: Colorado Revised Statutes 38-12.
Security deposit
- Maximum deposit
- 2 months' rent
- Return deadline
- 30 days
- Interest required
- No statutory requirement
The rule: Max 2 months' rent (from January 1, 2027 not for post-closing occupancy agreements, SB 26-054). Since January 1, 2026 (HB 25-1249) the landlord must return the deposit, or send a written statement of the exact reasons for any deduction with the balance, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; the lease may extend this to no more than 60 days. Wrongful withholding can cost treble damages (C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103).
Landlords should provide an itemized deduction list when withholding any portion of the deposit.
Source read · C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103
Eviction notice
- Nonpayment of rent
- 10 days notice
- Lease violation
- 10 days notice
Court filing and service rules vary by county. Use our eviction timeline calculator for planning.
Notice to vacate
- Month-to-month lease
- 21 days notice
- Fixed-term lease
- No notice required if lease ends
Late rent fees
- Grace period
- 7 days
- Maximum late fee
- $50 or 5% of rent
Additional regulations
- Rent control
- No statewide rent control
- Landlord entry notice
- No statutory requirement
Primary statute reference: Colorado Revised Statutes 38-12
Sources
When to use Colorado document templates
Use LeaseCraft templates when you need PDF and editable DOCX lease and notice forms built for Colorado landlords and tenants. Start with the residential lease generator, then add notices from the list of Colorado documents.
Common mistakes in Colorado
- Relying on verbal agreements instead of a written lease with required disclosures
- Missing the security deposit return deadline (30 days)
- Serving eviction or termination notices with incorrect day counts
Frequently asked questions
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In Colorado the security deposit limit is 2 months' rent. The return deadline is 30 days. Max 2 months' rent (from January 1, 2027 not for post-closing occupancy agreements, SB 26-054). Since January 1, 2026 (HB 25-1249) the landlord must return the deposit, or send a written statement of the exact reasons for any deduction with the balance, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; the lease may extend this to no more than 60 days. Wrongful withholding can cost treble damages (C.R.S. §§ 38-12-102.5, 38-12-103).
Confirm current rules in Colorado Revised Statutes 38-12.
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Colorado month-to-month tenancies typically require 21 days written notice unless the lease specifies otherwise.
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Use our Colorado lease agreement generator to build a residential lease with state-structured clauses. Preview free before download.
Educational summary only, not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for specific guidance. LeaseCraft is not a law firm. Statutes change — verify requirements with official Colorado sources before relying on this information.
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