DEMAND FOR RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT

VIA: CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

Date: [DATE]

TO: FORMER LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGER

FROM: FORMER TENANT

RE: DEMAND FOR RETURN OF SECURITY DEPOSIT

Property: [RENTAL PROPERTY ADDRESS, UNIT #]

Dear [LANDLORD/PROPERTY MANAGER NAME]:

I am writing to demand the immediate return of my security deposit, which you have failed to return within the time required by law.

I. TENANCY INFORMATION

II. SECURITY DEPOSIT INFORMATION

III. DEADLINE VIOLATION

Under [STATE] law, [CITE STATUTE - e.g., "California Civil Code Section 1950.5"], landlords are required to return the security deposit within [NUMBER] days after the tenant vacates.

You have failed to:
☐ Return any portion of my security deposit
☐ Return the full security deposit
☐ Provide an itemized statement of deductions
☐ Provide receipts or documentation for claimed deductions

IV. STATUS OF DEPOSIT

Select One:

☐ A. NO COMMUNICATION RECEIVED

I have received no communication from you regarding my security deposit. You have not returned any portion of the deposit or provided any itemization of deductions.

☐ B. PARTIAL RETURN WITH DISPUTED DEDUCTIONS

You returned $[AMOUNT] on [DATE] and claimed deductions of $[AMOUNT]. I dispute the following deductions:

Reasons deductions are improper:

☐ Normal wear and tear - The deduction is for normal wear and tear, which is not a lawful deduction. [DESCRIBE]

☐ Pre-existing condition - The condition existed before my tenancy, as documented by [MOVE-IN CHECKLIST/PHOTOS/OTHER].

☐ Excessive charges - The amount charged is unreasonable. [EXPLAIN - e.g., "Charged $500 for carpet cleaning when professional cleaning costs $150"]

☐ No documentation - You failed to provide receipts or estimates as required by law.

☐ I already paid - I already paid for this item/repair during my tenancy on [DATE].

☐ Not my responsibility - This item is landlord's responsibility under the lease/law.

☐ Improper itemization - The itemization does not meet statutory requirements.

☐ Other: [EXPLAIN]

☐ C. IMPROPER DEDUCTIONS WITHOUT PROPER NOTICE

You made deductions but failed to provide the required itemized statement within the statutory deadline.

V. CONDITION OF PREMISES AT MOVE-OUT

I left the premises in the following condition:

☐ Clean and in good condition, normal wear and tear excepted
☐ Same condition as move-in, as documented by move-in checklist dated [DATE]
☐ I have photos documenting condition at move-out dated [DATE]
☐ I participated in a move-out inspection on [DATE]

Documentation I have:
☐ Move-in inspection checklist (signed by landlord)
☐ Move-out inspection checklist
☐ Photos at move-in dated [DATE]
☐ Photos at move-out dated [DATE]
☐ Video walkthrough dated [DATE]
☐ Written correspondence about condition
☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

VI. DEMAND

A. Amount Demanded

I hereby demand the return of:

B. Deadline

Please remit payment within [14] days of the date of this letter.

C. Payment Instructions

VII. STATUTORY PENALTIES

[// GUIDANCE: Insert your state's specific penalty provisions. Examples below:]

☐ California (Civil Code § 1950.5):
If you acted in bad faith, I may be entitled to recover up to twice the amount of the security deposit in addition to actual damages.

☐ Massachusetts (M.G.L. c. 186 § 15B):
For failure to comply with security deposit requirements, I may be entitled to three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees and court costs.

☐ Texas (Property Code § 92.109):
For bad faith retention, I may be entitled to $100 plus three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus attorney's fees.

☐ New York (GOL § 7-108):
Failure to return the deposit forfeits your right to retain any portion, plus I may recover reasonable attorney's fees.

☐ Other State - [STATE]:
Under [STATUTE], I may be entitled to [DESCRIBE PENALTIES].

VIII. LEGAL ACTION

If I do not receive the full amount owed within [14] days, I will:

☐ File a claim in Small Claims Court for:
- Return of my security deposit: $[AMOUNT]
- Statutory penalties: $[AMOUNT]
- Court filing fees
- Service of process costs

☐ Consult with an attorney regarding additional remedies including:
- Attorney's fees (if permitted by statute)
- Punitive damages (if applicable)
- Any other available relief

☐ File a complaint with [STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL / CONSUMER PROTECTION AGENCY]

IX. CONTACT INFORMATION

If you wish to discuss this matter or resolve it without legal action, contact me at:

I am willing to discuss a reasonable resolution, but I expect prompt payment of the amount owed.

X. CONCLUSION

Your failure to return my security deposit within the time required by law is a violation of [STATE STATUTE]. I expect payment of $[AMOUNT] within [14] days.

This letter serves as your final notice before I pursue legal remedies.

SIGNATURE

ATTACHMENTS

☐ Copy of Lease Agreement
☐ Move-In Inspection Checklist
☐ Move-Out Inspection Checklist
☐ Photos at Move-In
☐ Photos at Move-Out
☐ Receipt for Security Deposit Payment
☐ Correspondence with Landlord
☐ Landlord's Itemization (if received)
☐ Other: [DESCRIBE]

PROOF OF MAILING

FOLLOW-UP RECORD

NEXT STEPS IF NO RESPONSE:

1. If no response within 14 days, proceed to Small Claims Court
2. Gather all documentation for court
3. File claim before statute of limitations expires (typically 2-4 years)
4. Consider consulting with a tenant rights attorney

This Security Deposit Demand Letter is intended for tenant use when a landlord fails to return the security deposit within the statutory deadline. Security deposit laws and penalties vary significantly by state. For significant amounts or complex disputes, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.