Security Deposit Demand Letter Template – Free Download 2026

DATE: [____________]. TO: [____________] ("Landlord"), [____________] (Address). FROM: [____________] ("Tenant"), [____________] (Current Address). RE: Formal Demand for Return of Security Deposit — Premises at [____________] (the "Premises"). This letter constitutes a formal legal demand for the return of Tenant's security deposit in connection with the tenancy at the Premises that terminated on [____________] (the "Move-Out Date").

Tenant occupied the Premises pursuant to a [written / oral] lease agreement commencing on [____________] and terminating on [____________]. Upon execution of the lease, Tenant paid Landlord a security deposit in the amount of [$__________] (the "Security Deposit"), receipt of which Landlord acknowledged [in writing / verbally] on [____________]. Tenant vacated the Premises on [____________], returned all keys on [____________], and left the Premises in [good condition / the same condition as received, ordinary wear and tear excepted / the condition documented in the move-in inspection report attached as Exhibit A].

As of the date of this letter, [no portion of / only $__________ of] the Security Deposit has been returned to Tenant. Landlord [has not provided / provided on ____________ the following itemized statement of deductions: ____________]. Tenant disputes [all / the following] deductions as improper: (a) [deduction for ____________ in the amount of $__________ — disputed because: ____________]; (b) [deduction for ____________ in the amount of $__________ — disputed because: ____________]; and (c) [other disputed deductions: ____________]. All items identified by Landlord as damage constitute normal wear and tear, pre-existing conditions, or were otherwise not caused by Tenant.

In support of the condition of the Premises upon Tenant's vacating, Tenant submits: (a) move-out inspection report / walkthrough documentation, attached as Exhibit B; (b) [photographs / video] taken on [____________] evidencing the condition of the Premises at move-out, attached as Exhibit C; (c) [receipts for professional cleaning / repairs made by Tenant: ____________], attached as Exhibit D; and (d) [correspondence with Landlord acknowledging condition: ____________], attached as Exhibit E. The Premises were returned in substantially the same condition as received, subject only to normal wear and tear consistent with Tenant's occupancy period of [____] months/years.

Under the laws of the State of [____________], specifically [cite applicable security deposit statute, e.g., [State] Code § ______] (the "Security Deposit Statute"), Landlord is required to return the Security Deposit, less any lawful deductions for unpaid rent or actual damages caused by Tenant beyond ordinary wear and tear, within [____] days following Tenant's vacating of the Premises and providing a forwarding address. Ordinary wear and tear, which is not a permissible basis for deduction, includes [faded paint, minor scuffs on walls, worn carpet in high-traffic areas, minor nail holes from hanging pictures, and similar deterioration resulting from normal use].

Landlord's failure to timely return the Security Deposit and/or provide a proper itemized statement of deductions within the statutory period constitutes a violation of [State] Code § ______, which provides that a landlord who wrongfully withholds a security deposit [shall be liable for two (2) / three (3) / other] times the amount wrongfully withheld, plus reasonable attorneys' fees and costs. The statutory period for return of the Security Deposit expired on [____________]. As of that date, Landlord was obligated to return [$__________] (the full Security Deposit) or [$__________] (the Security Deposit less any lawful deductions). Landlord's failure to do so constitutes a wrongful withholding of the Security Deposit.

DEMAND IS HEREBY MADE that Landlord, within [____] calendar days of the date of this letter (the "Response Deadline"): (a) return to Tenant the full Security Deposit of [$__________], or the undisputed balance of [$__________] if any deductions are conceded by Tenant; (b) provide a fully itemized, detailed written statement of any deductions claimed, with supporting documentation (invoices, receipts, photographs); and (c) to the extent any deductions are made, reimburse Tenant for any amounts deducted in bad faith or for normal wear and tear. Payment must be made by [check / money order / electronic transfer] to [Tenant Name] at [____________].

If Landlord fails to comply with this demand by the Response Deadline, Tenant will file a lawsuit in [Small Claims Court / [____________] Court] seeking: (a) return of the full Security Deposit of [$__________]; (b) statutory damages of [two (2) / three (3) / other] times the amount wrongfully withheld, totaling up to [$__________]; (c) reasonable attorneys' fees and court costs as permitted by the Security Deposit Statute; and (d) any other relief available under applicable law. Filing fees and service costs will be added to the amount claimed. Tenant is prepared to file suit immediately upon expiration of the Response Deadline and has already gathered all evidence necessary to support the claim.