Denver Security Deposit Help and Rules 2026–27: TRUA Move-In Aid and Colorado's New Deposit Protections
If you're moving in Denver, the deposit and first month's rent can be the biggest hurdles. If you're moving out, getting your deposit back can decide whether you can afford the next place.
This guide covers both. It explains how Denver's Temporary Rental and Utility Assistance (TRUA) program can pay a security deposit and first month's rent when an eviction can't be prevented. It also covers the Colorado deposit protections that took effect January 1, 2026 under HB25-1249.
Last checked October 2026. This is general information, not legal advice. TRUA rules come from Denver's 2026 TRUA Program Guidelines.
Part 1: Getting Help With a Deposit in Denver (TRUA)
What TRUA Offers
Denver's Department of Housing Stability runs TRUA, which offers three types of help:
Rental assistance: Up to 6 months, one time within 24 months. It can include back rent, the current month, and up to one month of future rent.
Utility assistance: Only together with rental assistance, not on its own.
Relocation assistance: Available only when eviction can't be prevented. It can cover:
Security deposit
First month's rent
Application fees
Other eligible move-in costs
Limits:
Total help can't exceed $20,000 per household.
A household can receive help only once within 24 months.
The deposit and first month's rent each count as one month toward the 6-month maximum. Application fees don't count toward it.
Payments go directly to the landlord or vendor.
Who Qualifies for Relocation Assistance
The 2026 guidelines say you must:
Have household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)
Show or attest to a risk of involuntary displacement, such as eviction, hazardous conditions, or a landlord refusing to renew
Prove you've been renting in the City and County of Denver right before the move
Show landlord approval for a new rental in the City and County of Denver
The Big Requirement: A Demand Notice or Eviction Case
You can apply for TRUA only if you have a current Demand for Rent from your landlord or an active eviction case (FED) when you apply. The demand notice must be current and legally enforceable, and it must state the reason, what's needed to resolve it, and the deadline.
Exception: Families referred through the DPS/TRUA pilot program don't need a demand notice or eviction case. Call the DPS Family Helpline at 720-423-3054.
How to Apply: Monthly Windows and a Random Draw
The TRUA portal (on Submittable) opens on the third Tuesday of each month for 24 hours.
After that window, there's a random selection. Selected applicants get an email inviting them to finish their application.
If you're not selected, you can apply again in a later month. Only one application per household per month is allowed.
Upcoming portal openings in 2026:
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
Tuesday, December 15, 2026
Important: Funding is limited, and not all eligible households will get help. Watch your email, including your spam folder.
Guidelines are at denvergov.org/RentHelp.
Part 2: Colorado Deposit Rules (HB25-1249, effective January 1, 2026)
The Colorado Division of Real Estate summarizes these changes. They apply to conduct on or after January 1, 2026.
When You Get Your Deposit Back
The default deadline is 30 days after the lease ends.
A lease can allow a longer period, but no more than 60 days.
Normal Wear and Tear
Landlords can't deduct for normal wear and tear. HB25-1249 updated the definition. It now covers deterioration, damage, or uncleanliness that comes from the unit's intended or reasonable and typical use, without negligence, carelessness, accident, or abuse.
It doesn't include uncleanliness that leaves the unit substantially less clean than when the lease began.
Lease provisions charging tenants for normal wear and tear, or for damage that existed before the tenancy, are void as against public policy.
Walk-Throughs
Either the landlord or the tenant can ask for a walk-through before the lease ends, after the tenant has had a chance to remove furniture. It can happen in person or by video.
Penalties for Wrongful Withholding
If a landlord doesn't comply with the law or wrongfully withholds a deposit, the landlord forfeits the right to withhold any of it.
Treble damages: Wrongful withholding can make the landlord liable for three times the amount, but only if you first notify the landlord of your demand and your intent to sue at least 7 days before filing.
In court, the landlord has the burden of proving the withholding wasn't wrongful and that they followed the law.
"Bad faith" includes a landlord who:
Keeps an amount that unreasonably exceeds actual damages. This is presumed at 125% or more of actual damages.
Keeps money without actual cause
Knew or should have known the amount kept was more than the damages
Keeps money for retaliatory, discriminatory, or unlawful reasons
If the Building Is Sold
When a landlord's interest ends, such as through a sale, they have 60 days to either transfer your deposit to the new owner (and notify you by mail with the new owner's name and address) or return it to you.
Step-by-Step: Getting Your Deposit Back in Denver
Take dated photos when you move in and when you move out.
Request a walk-through before you move out.
Give your forwarding address in writing.
Wait 30 days, or the longer period in your lease, up to 60.
If you don't get it back, send a written demand saying you intend to sue, and wait at least 7 days before filing.
File in county court (small claims) if needed, with your lease, photos, and letters.
Protect Yourself When Paying a Deposit
Get a receipt for every payment, and keep a copy of the signed lease.
Never wire money or pay with gift cards to someone you haven't met, for a unit you haven't seen.
Confirm the landlord owns the property, or that the manager is authorized to rent it.
Read the lease for how long your landlord has to return the deposit (30 days by default, 60 at most).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can TRUA pay my deposit if I'm just moving for a better place?
No. Relocation help is only for when eviction can't be prevented and you face involuntary displacement, with a current demand notice or eviction case (or a DPS pilot referral).
When can I apply for TRUA?
The portal opens on the third Tuesday of each month for 24 hours. The next openings are October 20, November 17, and December 15, 2026.
How long does my landlord have to return my deposit?
30 days by default, or up to 60 days if your lease says so.
Can my lease make me pay for normal wear and tear?
No. Under HB25-1249, provisions like that are void.
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