Security deposit demand letter

Moved out, and the landlord kept your deposit or went quiet? Ask for it back, politely and in writing.

What this does

It writes a polite but clear demand letter to a landlord who hasn't returned your security deposit, kept part of it without an itemized list, or deducted charges you disagree with. It asks for the money still owed, or an itemized list with receipts, by a date you choose, and says small claims court is your next step. It also writes a shorter follow-up for when the date passes. You edit both and send them yourself. It runs in your browser, so nothing you type is stored or sent. Free, no sign-up. Not legal advice.

1. What happened

The rental

Your name

Landlord or manager

Rental address

Move-out date

Deposit (USD)

State (optional)

Where things stand Nothing back, and no itemized list Part back, but no itemized list They listed charges I disagree with

Your ask Forwarding address for payment

Reply by

Your email or phone (optional)

Tone Polite Firm

Nothing here is saved or sent. Close the tab and it's gone.

2. Your letters

They update as you type. Edit anything, then email it or print it. Keep a copy of what you send.

The demand letter

Subject (for email) Letter

Open in email

Follow-up, if the date passes

Subject Follow-up

Open in email

A fixed template, not legal advice. Deposit rules, deadlines and small claims limits differ by state; check your state's current rules (for example, your state attorney general's or court system's website) before you send.

The letter, if you'd rather fill it in by hand

1. Security deposit demand letter

Subject: Security deposit for [rental address]: request for return by [date]

Dear [landlord or property manager],

I moved out of [rental address] on [move-out date] and returned the keys. I'm writing about my security deposit of [deposit amount].

I haven't received the deposit back or an itemized list of any deductions.

Please send the [amount still owed], or an itemized list of deductions with copies of the receipts or invoices for any repairs, by [reply-by date].

You can send payment to my forwarding address: [your forwarding address].

I'd much rather sort this out directly with you. If I haven't heard back by [reply-by date], my next step would be to file a claim in small claims court, which I'd like to avoid.

Thank you,
[your name]

2. Follow-up after the date passes

Subject: Second request: security deposit for [rental address]

Dear [landlord or property manager],

I wrote to you about my security deposit of [deposit amount] for [rental address], and asked for the [amount still owed], or an itemized list with receipts, by [reply-by date]. I haven't received either.

Please send it within 7 days of this message to [your forwarding address].

If I don't receive it, I'll file a claim in small claims court to recover the deposit. I've kept copies of my lease, my move-out photos and our messages.

Sincerely,
[your name]

Before you send it

Gather the lease, your move-out photos or video, the date you returned the keys, and any message where you gave your forwarding address.
Look up your state's deposit deadline and whether it requires an itemized list. If the deadline has passed, say so in the letter.
Send it in a way you can prove: email plus certified mail with a return receipt is common. Give a clear date, usually 10 to 14 days out, and diary it.

Questions

How long does a landlord have to return a security deposit?

It depends on the state. Most US states set a deadline in their landlord-tenant law, often somewhere between 14 and 60 days after move-out, and many require an itemized list of any deductions within that time. Check your own state's rule, for example on your state attorney general's or court system's website, before you send the letter.

Can a landlord keep my deposit for normal wear and tear?

In most states, deductions are meant for unpaid rent and damage beyond normal wear and tear, such as holes in walls or broken fixtures, not for things like faded paint or ordinary carpet wear. Your lease and your state's law decide the details, so check both, and attach your move-out photos if you have them.

Should I send the demand letter by email or by mail?

Use a way you can prove later. Many tenants send it by email and also by certified mail with a return receipt, and keep a copy of everything: the lease, move-out photos, the letter and any replies. If it ends up in small claims court, that record matters.

Is the security deposit letter free?

Yes. It's free, needs no sign-up, and nothing you type is stored or sent.

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