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Demand Letter for Security Deposit Return Template
Formally demand the prompt return of your security deposit after moving out of a rental property.
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Demand Letter for Security Deposit Return Template
[Your Full Name]
[Your Current Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Landlord / Property Manager Name]
[Landlord or Management Company Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country]
Subject: Demand for Return of Security Deposit – [Rental Property Address]
1. Introduction and Property Details
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name] / [To Whom It May Concern],
I am writing to formally demand the return of my security deposit relating to the rental property located at:
Rental Property Address: [Street Address, Unit/Apt #]
City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code: [City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
2. Lease and Security Deposit Information
I was a tenant at the above property under a lease with the following basic terms:
Tenant Name(s): [Your Full Name and any Co-Tenants]
Landlord/Owner or Management Company: [Name]
Lease Start Date: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Lease End Date: [MM/DD/YYYY] or [“Month-to-month tenancy ending on MM/DD/YYYY”]
Security Deposit Amount Paid: [Currency and Amount]
Date Security Deposit Paid: [MM/DD/YYYY]
3. Move-Out and Condition of the Premises
I vacated the rental property on: [Move-Out Date – MM/DD/YYYY]. On or before that date:
All keys, access cards, and/or parking passes were returned to you or your representative; and
The property was left in clean and orderly condition, subject only to normal wear and tear.
If any pre-move-out walk-through or inspection occurred, it took place on: [Date of Inspection, if applicable], with [Name of Inspector or Representative].
4. Status of Security Deposit and Deductions
As of the date of this letter:
I have not received the return of my security deposit; and/or
I have not received a written, itemized statement of any deductions; and/or
I have received a partial refund in the amount of [Currency and Amount] with deductions that I do not agree with.
To the extent you believe any portion of the deposit should be withheld, I request a written, itemized statement of deductions, including specific charges, dates, and supporting documentation (such as invoices, receipts, or repair descriptions).
5. Amount Requested and Deadline
Based on the lease terms and applicable landlord-tenant laws, I request the following:
Total security deposit originally paid: [Currency and Amount]
Less any legitimate deductions (if any) that you can properly document: [Currency and Amount, if known]
Amount requested to be returned at this time:
[Currency and Amount]
Please send this amount to me no later than:
Payment Deadline: [MM/DD/YYYY]
Payment may be made by:
Check payable to: [Your Name], mailed to: [Your Current Mailing Address]; or
[Other acceptable method, such as bank transfer or electronic payment, with any necessary details].
6. Notice of Possible Further Action
If I do not receive the requested security deposit amount, or a satisfactory written explanation with proper documentation of any lawful deductions, by the Payment Deadline, I may consider taking one or more of the following steps, as allowed under applicable law:
Filing a claim in small claims court or another appropriate court to recover the security deposit, and
Requesting any additional amounts permitted by law, which may include statutory penalties, interest, and court costs.
7. Reservation of Rights
Nothing in this letter waives or limits any rights or remedies I may have under the lease or applicable law. All such rights and remedies are expressly reserved, including the right to revise the amount requested if new information or charges arise.
8. Closing
I would prefer to resolve this matter promptly and without the need for court involvement. Please treat this letter as a formal demand for the timely return of my security deposit and/or a proper explanation of any deductions.
If you believe there is a genuine dispute regarding the condition of the property or the amounts owed, please respond in writing by the Payment Deadline with your explanation and supporting documents.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature, if printed]
[Your Printed Name]
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Learn more about
Demand Letter for Security Deposit Return Template
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
DEMAND LETTER FOR SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a demand letter for security deposit return?
A demand letter for security deposit return is a formal written request asking a landlord or property manager to refund a tenant’s security deposit after the lease has ended and the tenant has moved out. It typically refers to the lease, the move-out date, the deposit amount, and any unlawful or unexplained withholding.
When should I use this security deposit demand letter?
Use this letter if your landlord has not returned your security deposit within the timeframe required by your lease or local law, or if they have withheld part or all of the deposit without a proper explanation or itemized deduction statement.
What should a security deposit demand letter include?
It should identify the rental property, list the lease dates, state the deposit amount you paid, the date you moved out, the condition you left the property in, the amount you believe should be returned, and a clear deadline for payment. It can also request an itemized list of any lawful deductions.
Can I use this template for both residential and commercial leases?
Yes. You can adapt this template for apartments, houses, rooms, and commercial spaces such as offices or retail units. Adjust the description of the property, lease type, and any business details to match your situation.
Do I need to mention specific landlord-tenant laws in this letter?
You can mention that you are relying on applicable landlord-tenant or security deposit laws in your state or country, but you do not have to cite specific statutes to use this template. For complex or high-value disputes, you may want legal advice.
Can AI Lawyer help me customize this security deposit demand letter?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you adapt this Demand Letter for Security Deposit Return template by inserting your lease details, deposit amount, and deadlines in clear language. You still provide the true facts and documents and remain responsible for any decision to negotiate, settle, or take legal action.
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