Landlord-tenant
Security Deposit Return Demand Template
Formal demand letter for the return of a security deposit that was not refunded within your state's statutory deadline. Most states impose 2x-3x damages on landlords who improperly withhold.
How to use this template
Use this when you moved out, provided a forwarding address, and the landlord did not return your security deposit within the state-required deadline (typically 14-60 days). Most states impose statutory damages of 2x or 3x the wrongfully withheld amount, plus attorneys' fees in some jurisdictions. Send via certified mail with return receipt - delivery proof matters for small-claims court.
Before you send
- Confirm your state's deadline and damages before writing the letter. California: 21 days return deadline, statutory damages up to 2x. Texas: 30 days, damages = $100 plus 3x the wrongfully withheld portion. New York: 14 days, damages = 2x.
- Some states require the landlord to itemize deductions in writing within the same deadline; failure to itemize forfeits the right to withhold.
- Keep copies of the lease, move-out condition photos, move-in walkthrough, and the forwarding-address letter as exhibits.
- If the property was a multi-unit and the landlord did not hold the deposit in a separate account (some states require this), that is an additional defense - and an additional violation.
Template
Replace every {{token}} with your own information. Print, copy, or paste into a document. No signup needed.
{{Your Full Name}}
{{Your Current Address}}
{{Your City, State ZIP}}
{{Your Email}}
{{Your Phone}}
{{Date}}
Via Certified Mail with Return Receipt and Email
{{Landlord Full Name or Management Company}}
{{Landlord Address}}
{{Landlord City, State ZIP}}
Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit - {{Rental Property Address}}
Dear {{Landlord Name}},
I rented the property at {{rental address}} from {{lease start date}} to {{move-out date}}. I paid a security deposit of {{deposit amount}} at the start of the tenancy. My forwarding address was provided to you in writing on {{forwarding-address date}}.
Under {{relevant state statute, e.g. "California Civil Code § 1950.5"}}, you were required to return my security deposit (or provide a written itemized list of deductions) within {{state-required deadline, e.g. "21 days"}} of the surrender of possession. That deadline was {{deadline date}}. As of the date of this letter, I have received {{the entire amount has been withheld OR "only [partial] amount of $X with no itemization"}}.
I am demanding return of the wrongfully withheld portion of my security deposit in the amount of {{amount withheld}} within fourteen (14) days of the date of this letter.
Your wrongful withholding subjects you to:
1. Return of the full amount of the wrongfully withheld portion: {{amount}};
2. Statutory damages of up to {{state-specific multiplier and amount, e.g. "twice the amount wrongfully withheld, or $X under California Civil Code § 1950.5(l)"}}; and
3. {{If applicable}} Attorneys' fees if the matter goes to court.
Total demand: {{total = withheld + statutory damages}}.
If you do not return the amounts demanded by {{deadline}}, I will file a claim in {{small claims court, e.g. "Hennepin County Small Claims Court"}}, where the maximum recovery is up to {{state small claims max}}. I have already prepared the necessary paperwork and will file immediately upon expiration of this deadline.
Please send payment by check to the address above or by ACH to {{account ending in last 4}}.
Sincerely,
{{Signature}}
{{Printed Name}}
Enclosures:
- Copy of lease agreement
- Move-in walkthrough and photos
- Move-out walkthrough and photos
- Forwarding-address notification (date stamped)
- Any prior correspondence about the depositLast reviewed: 2026-06-08. This template is informational only and is not legal advice. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before sending.
More templates: advottic.com/templates. Leer en español: advottic.com/es/plantillas/demanda-de-deposito-de-seguridad.