The law in plain English
Return deadline
Under Colo. Rev. Stat. Sections 35-80-102; 38-12-102 to 38-12-106; 38-12-402, the deposit response usually has to be sent within 30 days of the move-out timeline described by the state rule.
Required notice
Colorado generally requires the refund or itemized withholding within 30 days by default, up to 60 days if the lease says so, and current law adds a 7-day pre-suit demand step.
This dispute type
In Colorado, renters usually challenge deposit deductions for scuffs, faded paint, flattened carpet, and similar aging because those issues look more like ordinary use than repairable damage. The statute still controls when the refund had to be sent and how deductions had to be explained.
Penalty leverage
If the withholding was wrongful or in bad faith, the exposure allowed under the statute is: Up to 3x the wrongfully withheld amount, plus court costs and reasonable attorney's fees