DisputeKit / Iowa
Sample Iowa security deposit demand letter
This is a complete example with made-up names. The law, deadline and wording are the same ones DisputeKit uses. To get one with your own facts, dates and amounts calculated for you, start with a free rights check.
Jordan Lee
48 Maple Street, Apt 3
Des Moines, IA
October 6, 2026
Northgate Property Management LLC
900 Main Street, Suite 400
Des Moines, IA
RE: Demand for Return of Security Deposit, 1120 Grand Avenue, Unit 5, Des Moines, IA
Dear Northgate Property Management LLC,
I rented the property at 1120 Grand Avenue, Unit 5, Des Moines, IA from March 1, 2024 and moved out on August 31, 2026. I paid a security deposit of $2,400.00. I provided my forwarding address on August 31, 2026. I have not received any portion of the deposit. I have not received an itemized statement of deductions.
Under Iowa Code § 562A.12, a landlord must return the rental deposit or provide a written statement showing the specific reason for withholding any part of it within 30 days after the later of the end of the tenancy and the landlord's receipt of the tenant's forwarding address. I vacated on August 31, 2026 and gave you my forwarding address on August 31, 2026, so that deadline was September 30, 2026. As of the date of this letter, I have not received an itemized statement.
Under the same law, a landlord who does not provide the written statement within 30 days after the tenancy ends and the tenant's mailing address is received forfeits all rights to withhold any portion of the deposit.
I request payment of $2,400.00 by October 20, 2026, by check mailed to the address above.
I would prefer to resolve this without further steps.
Please direct any response to me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
Jordan Lee
Prepared by the sender using DisputeKit, a self-help document tool. Not legal advice. DisputeKit is not a law firm.
Why this letter works
- It states only facts the sender can prove, with exact dates and amounts.
- It cites the specific law and explains the deadline in one sentence.
- It asks for a specific amount by a specific date, and says how to pay.
- It mentions next steps without threats or accusations.