One of the most frustrating parts of moving is dealing with your security deposit. You may think you left your apartment in great shape but then comes a deduction notice that feels unfair or unclear.

In Colorado, landlords can only make deductions from your security deposit for specific, legal reasons. If you’re a tenant in Aurora, Denver, or nearby cities, this guide breaks down what’s allowed and what’s not — so you know your rights and can protect your wallet.

💡 First, Know the Law

Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 38-12-103, landlords can deduct for:

• Unpaid rent or utilities
• Damage beyond normal wear and tear
• Excessive cleaning needs (beyond what's considered standard)
• Missing or broken items that were part of the rental

They must return your deposit or a written statement of deductions within 30 days (or up to 60 if your lease specifies it).

🚫 What Are Legal Deductions?

Here are some real examples that Colorado landlords can charge for and which we frequently see trigger fees during move-outs:

• Greasy oven interiors or food residue left in appliances
• Heavy soap scum or mineral buildup on glass shower doors
• Pet odors or excessive hair left behind
• Unemptied trash bins or forgotten food in the fridge
• Wall damage from unpatched nail holes, peeling paint, or stickers
• Missing blinds or broken fixtures

These are considered beyond “normal wear and tear” and are legally deductible especially when noted in your lease or move-in inspection sheet.

🧼 Common Misconceptions

Contrary to what some tenants think, landlords cannot charge you for:

• Minor dust accumulation on baseboards or window sills
• Natural wear on carpets from foot traffic
• Faded paint due to sunlight exposure
• Small nail holes (if permitted in your lease)

These fall under “normal wear and tear” and should not result in charges but landlords sometimes push the limits.

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

• Take before and after photos of every room
• Use a professional move-out cleaning service that guarantees inspection-ready results
• Request a pre-move-out walkthrough, if possible
• Ask for a copy of the original move-in checklist or inspection notes

When we clean Aurora and Denver rentals, we often find overlooked areas that tenants assume are “fine” but which get flagged during inspection. Avoiding a deduction starts with being more thorough than your landlord expects.

💬 Real Client Example

One of our Denver clients was shocked to see a $175 deduction for a “dirty fridge” even though it looked wiped down. Upon closer inspection, the property manager noted sticky residue in the seals and old food odor from behind the drawers.

This is why we include appliance interior cleaning in all of our move-out service packages it’s a common source of unexpected fees.

Need Help Securing Your Deposit?

Trusted Choice Cleaning offers detailed move-out cleanings across Aurora, Denver, Parker, and more with pricing built to match your exact space.

We clean the things that cost tenants money. Book today and leave with peace of mind.