Free security deposit demand letter samples
Copy any of these and adapt them. They are complete letters, not teasers — the thing you pay for is having your own dates, amounts and state deadline filled in and checked.
California
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g)[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [rental address]
Dear [Landlord name],
I vacated [rental address] on [move-out date] and provided a forwarding address. To date I have received neither my security deposit of [$amount] nor an itemized statement of deductions.
Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(g) requires a landlord in California to deliver the deposit, or an itemized statement of deductions, within 21 calendar days after the tenant vacates. That period expired on [deadline date].
I request payment of [$amount] within 14 days of the date of this letter, sent to the address above.
If I do not receive it, I intend to file in small claims court. Up to twice the deposit in statutory damages for bad-faith retention (§ 1950.5(l)).
Sincerely,
[Your name]
See the full California rules and deadline.
Florida
Fla. Stat. § 83.49[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [rental address]
Dear [Landlord name],
I vacated [rental address] on [move-out date] and provided a forwarding address. To date I have received neither my security deposit of [$amount] nor an itemized statement of deductions.
Fla. Stat. § 83.49 requires a landlord in Florida to deliver the deposit, or an itemized statement of deductions, within 15 calendar days if no deductions are claimed; 30 days to send written notice of a claim. That period expired on [deadline date].
I request payment of [$amount] within 14 days of the date of this letter, sent to the address above.
If I do not receive it, I intend to file in small claims court. A landlord who fails to give notice forfeits the right to deduct; tenant may recover the deposit plus attorney's fees.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
See the full Florida rules and deadline.
Texas
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [rental address]
Dear [Landlord name],
I vacated [rental address] on [move-out date] and provided a forwarding address. To date I have received neither my security deposit of [$amount] nor an itemized statement of deductions.
Tex. Prop. Code § 92.103 requires a landlord in Texas to deliver the deposit, or an itemized statement of deductions, within 30 calendar days after the tenant surrenders the premises and gives a forwarding address. That period expired on [deadline date].
I request payment of [$amount] within 14 days of the date of this letter, sent to the address above.
If I do not receive it, I intend to file in small claims court. Three times the amount wrongfully withheld plus $100 and attorney's fees for bad faith.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
See the full Texas rules and deadline.
New York
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108[Your name]
[Your address]
[Date]
Re: Demand for return of security deposit — [rental address]
Dear [Landlord name],
I vacated [rental address] on [move-out date] and provided a forwarding address. To date I have received neither my security deposit of [$amount] nor an itemized statement of deductions.
N.Y. Gen. Oblig. Law § 7-108 requires a landlord in New York to deliver the deposit, or an itemized statement of deductions, within 14 calendar days after the tenant vacates. That period expired on [deadline date].
I request payment of [$amount] within 14 days of the date of this letter, sent to the address above.
If I do not receive it, I intend to file in small claims court. Up to twice the deposit for a willful violation.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
See the full New York rules and deadline.
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