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    Colorado Security Deposit Return Letter

    Return the deposit, minus any itemized deductions, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; a lease can extend this to no more than 60 days (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249). The security deposit return letter below is preset for Colorado: fill in your details, then print it or save it as a PDF.

    State rules last verified: · Researched and cited by MakeLease · not yet attorney-reviewed

    Colorado rules for a security deposit return letter

    Deadline to return the security deposit
    30 days after the triggering event C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249 (2025 Colo. Sess. Laws ch. 401), C.R.S. § 38-12-103 (pre-2026 text)
    Itemized list of deductions
    Required C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), (8), as amended by HB 25-1249
    Penalty for a late or improper return
    Three times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorney fees and court costs. The landlord also loses the right to keep any part of the deposit, and the tenant must first give 7 days' written demand and notice of intent to sue. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(2), (2.5), (3), (3.5), as amended by HB 25-1249, C.R.S. § 38-12-104(4) (gas-hazard case: twice the deposit)

    Security Deposit Return Letter generator

    State and dates

    Colorado: Return the deposit, minus any itemized deductions, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; a lease can extend this to no more than 60 days (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249).

    The day the tenant moved out and returned the keys.

    Colorado's deadline depends on more than one date, so the form does not compute it. Return the deposit, minus any itemized deductions, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; a lease can extend this to no more than 60 days (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249).

    Parties

    Everyone named on the lease. Separate names with commas.

    Where you are sending this letter and any refund. Use the address the tenant gave you in writing.

    Deposit

    $
    $

    Only if your state, city or lease requires interest on deposits. Leave empty otherwise.

    Itemized deductions

    One line per charge: what it is for and the amount. Unused lines are left out. Colorado: If you keep any part of the deposit, send a written statement listing the exact reasons with the balance, and on the tenant's written request provide supporting photos, receipts and invoices within 14 days (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (8)).

    $
    $
    $
    $
    $
    $

    Several states require supporting documents for repair or cleaning charges. Attach them when you have them.

    Refund or balance

    For example, a note that an estimate will be followed by the final invoice.

    Blank PDF

    Free, no account needed. Showing example details. Replace them with yours.

    Security Deposit Return Letter

    Itemized statement of deductions

    Date:November 12, 2026
    Rental property:123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield
    To (former tenants):Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera
    Forwarding address:88 Birch Road, Apt 2, Shelbyville
    From (landlord):Jordan Ellis, 500 Oak Avenue, Springfield
    Move-out date:October 31, 2026

    Dear Alex Morgan, Sam Rivera:

    This letter accounts for the security deposit you paid for 123 Maple Street, Unit 4, Springfield. You moved out on October 31, 2026. Below is an itemized list of each amount deducted from the deposit and the reason for it, followed by the balance.

    Itemized deductions

    No.Description of chargeAmount
    1Patch and paint hole in bedroom wall$180.00
    2Replace broken bathroom mirror$95.50
    3Remove furniture and trash left in garage$150.00
    Total deductions$425.50

    Deposit accounting

    ItemAmount
    Security deposit received$1,800.00
    Less total deductions- $425.50
    Amount refunded to tenant$1,374.50

    The refund of $1,374.50 is enclosed or sent with this letter by check no. 1043 on November 12, 2026.

    Copies of receipts, invoices or estimates supporting the deductions are enclosed.

    If you have questions about any deduction, contact Jordan Ellis at (555) 010-2030.

    Deposit return rules for Colorado: C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249 (2025 Colo. Sess. Laws ch. 401).
    Landlord or agent signature (Jordan Ellis)
    Date

    Made free at make.lease/forms/security-deposit-return-letter

    What Colorado requires

    Deadline to return the security deposit

    Return the deposit, minus any itemized deductions, within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the unit, whichever is later; a lease can extend this to no more than 60 days (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249).

    C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), as amended by HB 25-1249 (2025 Colo. Sess. Laws ch. 401), C.R.S. § 38-12-103 (pre-2026 text) · checked October 26, 2026

    Itemized list of deductions

    If you keep any part of the deposit, send a written statement listing the exact reasons with the balance, and on the tenant's written request provide supporting photos, receipts and invoices within 14 days (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1), (8)).

    C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a), (8), as amended by HB 25-1249 · checked October 26, 2026

    Penalty for a late or improper return

    A landlord who wrongfully keeps a deposit, such as by missing the deadline, giving vague reasons or keeping it in bad faith, owes three times the amount withheld plus attorney fees, but only if it does not refund within 7 days after the tenant's written demand (C.R.S. § 38-12-103(2)-(3.5)).

    C.R.S. § 38-12-103(2), (2.5), (3), (3.5), as amended by HB 25-1249, C.R.S. § 38-12-104(4) (gas-hazard case: twice the deposit) · checked October 26, 2026

    If the triggering event falls on October 31, 2026, 30 calendar days later is November 30, 2026. The form computes this deadline from the dates you enter and shows it under the letter date.

    City and county rules can be stricter than state law, and your lease can require more than the statute does. Use whichever rule gives the tenant more time or protection.

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