Before proposing a settlement, organize the timeline, evidence, disputed line items, and amount you would accept.
If you’re not sure what to dispute, start with common deductions and the deduction checker.
Copy/paste template
Subject: Settlement Offer — Security Deposit Dispute ( [RENTAL ADDRESS] ) Date: [DATE] To: [LANDLORD / PROPERTY MANAGER NAME] [LANDLORD ADDRESS OR EMAIL] Re: Security Deposit Dispute — [RENTAL ADDRESS] Hello [LANDLORD NAME], I am writing to propose a settlement to resolve the security deposit dispute for [RENTAL ADDRESS]. I moved out on [MOVE-OUT DATE]. My position is that $[AMOUNT YOU CLAIM] is owed due to [brief reason: missed deadline / unsupported deductions / normal wear and tear / missing receipts]. To resolve this matter without court, I will accept a payment of $[SETTLEMENT AMOUNT] if received by [OFFER EXPIRATION DATE]. Payment can be made by [method: check, ACH, etc.] and sent to: [YOUR FULL NAME] [FORWARDING ADDRESS] [CITY, STATE ZIP] If you accept, please confirm in writing. If I do not receive a response by the deadline, I will consider escalating the dispute through other available options. Sincerely, [YOUR FULL NAME] [PHONE NUMBER — optional] [EMAIL — optional]