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Dispute Security Deposit Deductions Letter (Template)

Identify each disputed charge, explain the supporting facts, request missing records, and choose a response date.

7 min readLast updated: August 2026

Copy/paste template

Subject: Dispute of Security Deposit Deductions — [RENTAL ADDRESS]

Date: [DATE]

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

Hello [LANDLORD NAME],

I am writing to dispute the deductions from my security deposit for [RENTAL ADDRESS]. I moved out on [MOVE-OUT DATE]. Please review the specific items below based on the facts and records noted for each one.

Disputed deductions:

1) [DEDUCTION #1 — e.g., “Cleaning fee $250”]
   - Dispute reason: [e.g., no itemization/receipts provided; unit left in similar condition as move-in; photos attached]
   - Requested documentation: [receipt/invoice, photos, scope of work, date of service]

2) [DEDUCTION #2 — e.g., “Carpet replacement $1,200”]
   - Dispute reason: [e.g., wear vs damage; prior condition or carpet age unknown; replacement scope or betterment unexplained]
   - Requested documentation: [installation date, replacement invoice, photos of alleged damage]

Please provide the requested documentation and respond to my request for return of the disputed amount of $[AMOUNT] by [REQUESTED RESPONSE DATE].

Sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME]
[FORWARDING ADDRESS]
[CITY, STATE ZIP]
[PHONE NUMBER — optional]
[EMAIL — optional]

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