Sample Security Deposit Demand Letter
Return of security deposit made simple - Grab our free security deposit demand letter and get your deposit back as soon as possible.
What You Should Know Before Using Our Security Deposit Return Letter
Even if you are stuck with an awful landlord, the surprising truth is that it's often not that hard to get your security deposit back... as long as your security deposit request letter knows the right words (that we have taken care of) and you have a good grasp of your local security deposit laws (that is homework you can't skip).
If you're from United States, here's a useful link that will save you hours of digging and reading - Click here to learn what is your state security deposit law for the return of security deposit.
As you wade through your security deposit act, what you want to dig up is this: The deadline for your security deposit return. In most places, the landlord is given 14 to 45 days (once you vacate or the lease ends) to cough up your security deposit. If no specific deadline is given, then your lease agreement often gets to have the final say.
For landlords who are late with security deposit returns, the legal penalties range from light slaps on the wrist (e.g. losing the right to make deposit deductions) to big-time lashings (e.g. forking out triple the original deposit amount). Of course, you should politely remind the landlord of these penalties in your return of security deposit letter - It's a sure-fire way to shock him into action.
*Make sure this form complies with your local real estate laws before using it. If you have any doubts, you can ask a real estate lawyer online.
Security Deposit Demand Letter
Date: _______________
Landlord Name: _________________________
Landlord Address:
___________________________________________________________________________
Dear Landlord,
I was formerly your tenant at
___________________________________________________________________________, and I vacated the premises on _______________.
To date, I have not received the return of my security deposit in the sum of $ _______________ or an itemized statement of security deposit deductions.
According to the state laws of _________________________, you are required to give me a full security deposit refund or an itemized statement of security deposit deductions within _____ days of me vacating the premises. If you fail to do so, you shall be subjected to the following legal penalties:
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
Please return the full security deposit amount to me within 7 days of receipt of this letter. If you intend to pay by check, please send it to my current address at
___________________________________________________________________________.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Tenant Name: _________________________
Tenant Signature: _________________________
