Security deposit demand letter: free sample and template
A security deposit demand letter asks your former landlord, in writing, to return your deposit by a set date. The strongest letters cite your state's deposit law and its deadline, give exact dates and amounts, and say what you will do if you are not paid. Copy the template below, or pick your state for a sample with the law already filled in.
The template
Replace everything in [brackets]. Delete the options in brackets that don't apply.
[Your full name]
[Your street address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your email]
[Date]
[Landlord or property company name]
[Landlord's address]
RE: Demand for return of security deposit, [rental address]
Dear [Landlord's name],
I rented [rental address] from [lease start date] and moved out on [move-out date]. I paid a security deposit of $[amount]. I gave you my forwarding address in writing on [date], and it is also at the top of this letter. As of today I have received [nothing / $amount] and [no itemized list of deductions / an itemized list dated (date)].
Under [your state's deposit law and section], a landlord must [return the deposit or send an itemized list of deductions] within [number] days after [the tenant moves out / the tenancy ends]. That deadline was [date].
I request payment of $[amount owed] by [date, usually 10 to 14 days from today], by [check to the address above / other method].
If I do not receive payment by that date, I intend to pursue my remaining options, which may include filing a claim in small claims court. Please direct any response to me in writing at the address above.
Sincerely,
[Your full name]
Prepared by the sender using DisputeKit, a self-help document tool. Not legal advice. DisputeKit is not a law firm.
What to fill in
- Your state's law and its deadline in days. They differ a lot: 14 days in some states, 60 or more in others, and a few states count business days or months.
- When the clock starts. In most states it is move-out; in some it is the end of the lease or the day the landlord gets your forwarding address.
- The amount owed: the deposit minus anything returned and minus any deductions you agree with.
- A payment date. Ten to fourteen days is typical.
How to send it
- Send it by certified mail with return receipt, and by email if you have the landlord's address. Keep copies.
- Mark your calendar for the payment date.
- If you are not paid, small claims court is designed for people without lawyers.
The same letter with your state's law
Each state sample cites the state's own law and, for deposits, its deadline.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Rather not fill in blanks?
The free rights check works out your law, dates and amounts. You only pay if you want the finished letter.
General legal information, not legal advice. DisputeKit is not a law firm.