Security Deposit Demand Letter
A formal demand letter from a former tenant to a landlord who has not returned a security deposit after move-out. The letter states the tenancy facts, asserts the tenant's legal position — nearly every state requires the deposit to be returned, or a written itemised statement of deductions delivered, within a fixed statutory period (commonly 14 to 30 days, nowhere longer than about 60), and in many states a landlord who misses that deadline forfeits the right to deduct anything — then demands payment of the outstanding balance by a stated deadline and sets out the consequences of ignoring it: a small-claims action and, in many states, statutory penalties of two to three times the deposit. Handles both the landlord who has sent nothing at all and the landlord whose itemised deductions the tenant disputes, and closes with a reservation of rights. Deadlines and penalties vary by state, so the letter asserts rights in general terms and the wizard flags what to verify for your state.
Read the how-to guide →Document preview
What you'll be asked
01Parties & Property
Your full name (tenant) · Have you already given the landlord a forwarding address in writing? · Your current mailing address · Landlord full name (or company) · Landlord (or agent) mailing address · Address of the rental property you vacated · State where the property is located · Did the landlord give you a receipt naming the bank and the account number where your deposit was held?
02Deposit & Move-Out
Date you moved out and returned possession · Security deposit you paid (USD) · Amount returned to you so far (USD) · Have you received a written itemized statement of deductions? · Which deductions do you dispute, and why? · Total of any deductions you accept as valid (USD)
03Demand & Delivery
Date of this letter · Deadline you are giving the landlord to pay (days) · How should the deposit be returned? · How will you send this letter?
Frequently asked questions
Is this Security Deposit Demand Letter valid under U.S. law?
Yes. This document is drafted for U.S. law and adapts to your situation from your answers. It is still a template — for anything high-stakes, have it checked by a qualified professional.
Do I need a lawyer or an account?
No. Answer 18 guided questions, pay once, and download instantly. No account, no subscription.
How long does it take?
About 5 minutes. The questionnaire has 18 questions and the document is assembled as you go.
What formats do I get?
PDF and Word (.docx), downloadable immediately after payment.
Can I edit it afterwards?
Yes. The Word file is fully editable, and you can re-run the questionnaire to generate a new version.