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Enter the full legal name of this party exactly as it appears on their ID or business registration.
Enter the full legal name of this party exactly as it appears on their ID or business registration.
A Security Deposit Return Demand Letter is the written demand sent by a former tenant to a landlord who has failed to return the security deposit or provide a timely itemized accounting as required by state law. All 50 states have landlord-tenant laws governing the timeframe for returning deposits (14–60 days depending on state) and imposing mandatory penalties for wrongful withholding — typically 2× to 3× the withheld amount plus attorney's fees. This letter serves as the prerequisite demand that triggers the statutory penalty and establishes the written record necessary before filing in small claims court. Fill out this free security deposit return demand letter template online, e-sign it digitally, and download a legally valid PDF. no account or lawyer needed. Sections: Parties, Details.
______________ VIA CERTIFIED MAIL — RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED ______________ ______________ FROM: ______________ ______________ RE: DEMAND FOR SECURITY DEPOSIT RETURN — ______________
Dear ______________,
This letter serves as my formal demand for the return of my security deposit from my tenancy at ______________, which I vacated on ______________.
Security deposit paid: $0.00 Amount returned to date: $0.00 Balance outstanding: $0.00
Under applicable state law, you were required to return my security deposit and/or provide a complete, itemized written statement of deductions within 21 days of my vacating the property on ______________. As of the date of this letter, you have failed to provide a legally compliant itemized accounting.
Most state landlord-tenant statutes impose mandatory penalties of 2× to 3× the wrongfully withheld deposit amount against landlords who fail to comply with the deposit return requirements. In addition, you may be liable for my attorney's fees and court costs if I am required to file suit. A judgment arising from a wrongfully withheld deposit can be collected through wage garnishment and bank levies.
I hereby demand payment of $0.00 (representing the deposit balance owed plus any applicable statutory penalty) within 14 days of the date of this letter. Payment should be made by [check / money order / bank transfer] to the address above. If I do not receive full payment within the specified period, I will file a complaint in small claims court without further notice to you.
Sincerely,
______________________________ ______________ Date: ____________________