Free demand letter templates.

[Your Full Name]
[Your Forwarding Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email] · [Your Phone]

[Date Sent]

[Landlord / Property Manager Name]
[Landlord Address]
[City, State ZIP]

RE: DEMAND FOR RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT — [Rental Property Address]

Dear [Landlord Name],

I was a tenant at [Rental Property Address] from [Move-in Date] to [Move-out Date], at which time I returned possession of the unit and the keys. At the start of my tenancy I paid a security deposit of [Deposit Amount].

Under [State] law, you were required to return my deposit, or provide an itemized statement of any lawful deductions, within [statutory deadline] of the end of my tenancy. As of the date of this letter, [either: I have not received my deposit or any accounting / the deductions you provided are improper because [reason]].

The unit was left clean and undamaged beyond normal wear and tear, which is not a lawful basis for deductions. I am therefore demanding the return of [Amount], which represents the full deposit less any deductions I agree are legitimate.

Please mail the amount of [Amount] to my forwarding address above no later than [Response Deadline].

Please be aware that under [State] law, a landlord who wrongfully withholds a security deposit may be liable for up to [penalty multiplier] times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus court costs and attorney’s fees. If I do not receive [Amount] by [Response Deadline], I will file a claim in small claims court and seek the full statutory penalty available to me.

I would prefer to resolve this without court involvement. Please contact me at [Your Phone] or [Your Email].

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]