Colorado Demand Letter Generator

Colorado rules for demand letters

Small claims court in Colorado

The general small claims limit in Colorado is $7,500. The Colorado small claims sources we checked do not require a demand before filing, but a written demand is still useful evidence. Colorado's small claims statute and claim form do not require a demand before filing. Claims against a government body may need advance notice.

The small claims court finder shows the filing fee for your amount, where to file and how to serve; our Colorado small claims guide walks through the whole case.

Security deposits in Colorado

Starting January 1, 2026, the landlord must return the full deposit within 30 days after the lease ends or the tenant surrenders the premises, whichever is later, unless the lease sets a longer period of no more than 60 days. Wrongful retention can make the landlord liable for three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney fees and court costs, but the tenant must first give notice of the demand and of the intent to sue at least seven days before filing. C.R.S. § 38-12-103(1)(a) (as amended by HB25-1249, eff. Jan. 1, 2026)

At least seven days before you file, notify the landlord that you demand the deposit back and intend to file legal proceedings. Do it in writing so you can prove it; a letter that says both can serve as that notice.

Consumer protection notice in Colorado

The sources we checked show no general written-notice requirement before a consumer lawsuit under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. The act does not require a pre-suit demand letter (2024 edition read). A successful claimant can recover actual damages or $500, whichever is greater (three times actual damages for bad faith shown by clear and convincing evidence), plus costs and reasonable attorney fees.

What a demand letter should say

A demand letter is a short, factual request for payment. It names who owes whom, how much, and why; it sets a date to pay; and it says what you will do next if you are not paid. Keep it to what you could prove to a judge: the agreement, the dates, the amount, and any payments already made.

• Your name and mailing address, the date, and the other side's name and address.
• The amount you are asking for and how you got to it.
• A short account of what was agreed and what went wrong.
• A clear deadline and how to pay.
• Your next step if you are not paid, such as filing in small claims court.

Send it in a way you can prove, such as certified mail with a return receipt, and keep a copy for the court file.

What this tool does not do

• It does not send the letter, store it, or put anything you type in the web address. Everything stays in your browser.
• It does not calculate interest, judge whether your claim is strong, or say what a court would award.
• It does not check your statute of limitations. Use the statute of limitations calculator.
• It is general information and a template, not legal advice.