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Demand Letter for Return of Security Deposit (Template)

Use this to demand a refund and set a response deadline. For a state-specific demand letter with citations, use ReclaimDeposit’s guided flow.

7 min readUpdated January 2026

If you want a state-specific demand letter with the right citations, use the free analysis flow. Deadlines vary by state, so confirm timing with the deadline calculator.

Copy/paste template

Subject: Demand for Return of Security Deposit — [RENTAL ADDRESS]

Date: [DATE]

To: [LANDLORD / PROPERTY MANAGER NAME]
[LANDLORD ADDRESS OR EMAIL]

Re: Security Deposit — [RENTAL ADDRESS]

Hello [LANDLORD NAME],

I moved out of [RENTAL ADDRESS] on [MOVE-OUT DATE]. My security deposit was $[DEPOSIT AMOUNT]. As of today, I have not received my deposit refund and/or a complete itemized statement with documentation supporting any deductions.

I am requesting the return of $[AMOUNT REQUESTED] by [DEADLINE DATE — e.g., 7–14 days from today]. Please send payment to:

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[FORWARDING ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]

If you believe you are entitled to make deductions, please provide:
1) A written itemized statement of each deduction, and
2) Documentation supporting each deduction (receipts, invoices, photos, and/or work orders).

Please respond in writing.

Sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[PHONE NUMBER — optional]
[EMAIL — optional]

Next step

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