Security Deposit Demand Letter

Page last updated: August 22, 2026 · How we source & update

What it's for

A written demand for the return of your security deposit after you've moved out, or an itemized explanation of any deductions.

Educational — information, not legal advice, and not attorney-reviewed.

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When to use it

Use this when your lease has ended, you've moved out, and your landlord hasn't returned your deposit or provided an itemized list of deductions within the time your state allows.

What to include

Your name, the rental address, and your current forwarding address
The date you moved out and returned keys or access
A clear request for the return of your deposit or an itemized list of any deductions
A reference to your lease and original deposit receipt
A reminder of the timeframe your state allows for your landlord to respond
A statement that you'll consider further action if the deposit isn't returned or explained

What to attach or keep

Move-in and move-out photos or video showing the unit's condition
A copy of your lease and original deposit receipt
Any move-out inspection report or checklist
Proof of your forwarding address and move-out date

Before you send

Check your state's deposit return timeline and rules in the app
Attach or reference your move-in and move-out documentation
Send it using a method that gives you proof of delivery, and keep a dated copy
Let Renter Shield generate and customize this letter, and track the deadline for your landlord's response

The letter

Everything in [square brackets] is yours to replace. Nothing is sent anywhere from this page — edit it here, copy it, and send it yourself however your lease says notices are given.

Deliberately no deadlines or dollar figures. Those are set by your state, city and lease, so this letter leaves them to you — your state page carries the sourced rule and its review status. This wording is a general-purpose draft, is not attorney-reviewed, and is information, not legal advice.

Subject: Security deposit — [rental address, unit], moved out [date]

[Your full name]
[Your rental address, unit number]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your phone] · [Your email]

[Date]

[Landlord or property manager name]
[Address used in your lease for notices]
[City, State ZIP]

Dear [landlord or property manager name],

I rented [rental address, unit] from [move-in date] until [move-out date], when I returned the keys and vacated the unit.

At move-in I paid a security deposit of [amount]. As of today I have not received [the deposit / an itemized statement of deductions / the balance of the deposit].

My forwarding address is:
[Full forwarding address]
[City, State ZIP]

I am requesting the return of the deposit, or an itemized written statement of any amounts withheld and the reason for each, as provided under my lease and my state's security-deposit rules.

[If you have move-out evidence: "I took dated photographs of the unit at move-out and can provide them on request."]
[If you received a partial return: "I received [amount] on [date]. This request concerns the remaining [amount]."]

Please send the deposit or the itemized statement to the forwarding address above by [date you are requesting]. You can reach me at [phone] or [email].

I am keeping a copy of this request and my delivery record.

Thank you,
[Your name]

You can type directly in the box. Your edits stay in this browser tab and are not saved or transmitted.

When NOT to use this letter

You have not yet given the landlord a written forwarding address. In several states nothing is due until you do — send the forwarding address first (this letter includes it), and keep proof.
You received an itemized statement and disagree with the charges. That is a different letter and a different argument — see "deposit kept without proof".
Your state deadline has already passed and you are ready to file. A demand letter is still useful evidence, but ask legal aid or the court self-help desk about the filing deadline before you rely on more correspondence.

Sending it and keeping the record

Sending. Send it in a way that proves both the date and the address you gave. Certified mail with return receipt is the most common; email or the tenant portal also works if your lease allows notices that way. Keep the tracking number.

Keeping. Keep: the lease page showing the deposit amount, move-in and move-out photos, proof of the forwarding address, this letter, delivery proof, and any statement or partial payment you receive.

Status of this wording: general-purpose draft, written by Renter Shield, not attorney-reviewed, no statutory deadline or dollar figure asserted. Rules vary by state, city, housing type and lease. Last updated September 3, 2026. Something wrong? Tell us.

Want the deadline tracked too?

The letter above is yours to use right now, free, with no account. The Renter Shield app can also keep your dated copy and photos together on your device — that part is optional. — free to start.

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Deposit documentation checklist →Move-out checklist →Security deposits: your rights →Rent receipt request letter →

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