Free tool · No sign-up

Security Deposit Demand Letter Generator

Your landlord kept your deposit past the legal deadline. Fill in the blanks below and get a legally-worded letter you can print, sign, and mail certified. Works in all 50 states.

Your details

Your full name

Your current mailing address

Rental property address

Landlord or property manager name

Landlord mailing address

Move-out date

Deposit amount ($)

State

Days past deadline

Your letter

July 21, 2026

[Your name]
[Your current mailing address]

[Landlord / property manager name]
[Landlord mailing address]

Re: Demand for Return of Security Deposit — [Rental property address]

Dear [Landlord],

I am writing to formally demand the return of my $[amount] security deposit for the rental property located at [rental address]. I vacated the premises on [move-out date] and provided you with a forwarding address at that time.

Under applicable state law, you were required to return my deposit, along with an itemized statement of any deductions, within the statutory deadline. It has now been [number] days past that deadline, and I have not received my deposit or a compliant itemization.

I am hereby demanding the full return of $[amount], delivered to the address above, within FOURTEEN (14) DAYS of the date of this letter.

If I do not receive full payment by that date, I intend to file a claim in small claims court seeking the full deposit, statutory damages (which in many states may be two or three times the deposit amount), court costs, and any attorney's fees permitted by law. I would prefer to resolve this without litigation.

Please treat this letter as a formal, good-faith attempt to resolve this matter. I look forward to your prompt response.

Sincerely,


[Your name]

Sent via certified mail, return receipt requested.

Print, sign, and send by certified mail with return receipt. The delivery receipt is what makes this letter matter in court.

If they still don't pay, bring receipts.

TenantGuard builds a signed, timestamped case file from your texts, photos, and this demand letter — everything a small claims judge needs.

Start your case record Read the full guide

Frequently asked questions

How long does a landlord have to return my security deposit?

Most states require landlords to return your deposit within 14 to 60 days after move-out, along with an itemized statement of any deductions. If they miss the deadline, many states allow you to recover 2x or 3x the deposit as damages.

What should a security deposit demand letter include?

Your name and forwarding address, the rental address, the move-out date, the amount owed, the statutory deadline that was missed, a specific demand for return within a set number of days, and a warning that you'll file in small claims court with statutory damages if unpaid.

Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter?

No. A demand letter is a standard pre-litigation step you can send yourself. Send it by certified mail so you have proof of delivery — that timestamp is what makes the letter useful in small claims court.

How to use this letter

Fill in your details on the left — the letter updates as you type.
Download or copy the letter, then print and sign it.
Mail it certified with return receipt at the post office (~$8). Keep the green card.
If your landlord doesn't pay within 14 days, file a small claims complaint. Attach this letter and the certified mail receipt.
Bring your full case file — texts, photos, move-out inspection — to the hearing.

This tool provides a general template and is not legal advice. Deposit rules, deadlines, and statutory damages vary by state. If your case is complex, consult a tenant attorney or your local legal aid clinic.