Colorado · CO

Demand letters in Colorado.

In Colorado, landlords must return a deposit within 30 days (up to 60 if the lease specifies, never more than 60), and the Small Claims Court (County Court) hears claims up to $7,500. Here's the law you need — and a generator that cites it for you.

By The Demand Letter Kit Team Sourced from official statutesUpdated June 1, 2026

Colorado demand letter facts at a glance

Deposit return deadline

30 days (up to 60 if the lease specifies, never more than 60)

Small claims limit

$7,500

Filing fee

$31–$55

Written-contract SOL

6 years

Personal-injury SOL

2 years

Legal/judgment interest

8% per year compounded annually (post-judgment default); 9% for tort/wrongful withholding-type claims.

Security deposit demand letters in Colorado

If your former landlord is holding your deposit, Colorado law is on your side. A landlord must return your security deposit within 30 days (up to 60 if the lease specifies, never more than 60), along with an itemized statement of any deductions. Willful retention exposes the landlord to treble (3×) the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney’s fees and costs.

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Statutes of limitation in Colorado

A demand letter doesn't pause the clock — you must file suit within these windows:

Written contracts 6 years
Oral contracts 6 years
Personal injury 2 years
Property damage 2 years

Small claims court in Colorado

If your demand letter is ignored, Colorado's Small Claims Court (County Court) is usually the next step. It hears claims up to $7,500, with filing fees around $31–$55. You typically don't need a lawyer, and mentioning that you're prepared to file gives your letter real weight.

Colorado courts self-help

Good to know in Colorado

Colorado pairs a 30-day deposit deadline (the lease can extend it but never past 60 days) with one of the strongest penalties in the nation: treble damages plus attorney’s fees for willful retention. Crucially, a landlord who misses the deadline forfeits the right to keep any of the deposit. Before claiming treble damages you must send a written demand and give the landlord seven days to respond, so the demand letter is a legal prerequisite, not just good practice. Small claims runs through the County Court up to $7,500.

Colorado demand letter FAQ

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit in Colorado?
In Colorado, a landlord generally must return your security deposit within 30 days (up to 60 if the lease specifies, never more than 60). Willful retention exposes the landlord to treble (3×) the wrongfully withheld amount plus attorney’s fees and costs. The governing statute is Colo. Rev. Stat. § 38-12-103.
What is the small claims court limit in Colorado?
Colorado's Small Claims Court (County Court) hears claims up to $7,500, with filing fees of roughly $31–$55. Most demand-letter disputes fall within this limit, which is what makes a demand letter such effective leverage.
How long do I have to sue in Colorado?
Colorado's statute of limitations is 6 years for written contracts, 6 years for oral contracts, 2 years for personal injury, and 2 years for property damage. Sending a demand letter does not pause these deadlines, so don't wait too long.
Do I have to send a demand letter before filing in Colorado?
Colorado does not always require a demand letter before suing, but sending one is strongly recommended: many courts expect it, it can resolve the dispute without filing, and it documents that you tried to settle in good faith — which helps your case if you do end up in Small Claims Court (County Court).

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