Security Deposit Return Demand Letter Generator

Who this is for

Tenants whose deposit has not come back, or came back with deductions they dispute, and who want to make a clear written request before going to court.

The generated letter is a starting draft. Edit it so the facts are exactly right, because the judge may read it.

What to have ready

• The landlord's legal name and the notice address in your lease.
• Your move-out date and proof of key return.
• The amount you are demanding and how you worked it out.
• Your new mailing address and how you want to be paid.

The rule

A demand letter is not itself a legal requirement in most states, but it does three useful things. It sets out the amount and the statute so the landlord knows the claim is serious. It gives a fair chance to pay without a lawsuit. And it creates dated evidence that the landlord was told and did not act, which matters in states where extra damages depend on bad faith. California's small claims form SC-100 asks the plaintiff whether they asked the defendant to pay before filing, and to explain if not.

The letter should cite your state's deposit statute: for example California Civil Code § 1950.5, New York General Obligations Law § 7-108, Texas Property Code § 92.103–92.109 or Florida Statutes § 83.49. Keep the tone factual. Threats you cannot carry out weaken the letter.

Read the official text:

• California small claims form SC-100 (Judicial Council)
• California Civil Code § 1950.5
• New York General Obligations Law § 7-108
• Texas Property Code Chapter 92

Worked example: what a complete letter contains

1. Address, unit and move-out date (June 30) with key-return proof
2. Deposit paid ($2,650) and amount returned ($0)
3. Statute: Cal. Civ. Code § 1950.5(h) requires an itemized
   statement and refund within 21 days (by July 21)
4. Request: pay $2,650 within 10 days, by August 3
5. Next step: small claims, where § 1950.5(m) allows up to
   twice the deposit for bad-faith retention
6. Payment method and forwarding address

Common mistakes

• Sending the letter before the statutory deadline has passed. Wait until the landlord is actually late, unless you are disputing an itemized statement you already received.
• Demanding a penalty as if it were automatic. Say the statute allows it and that you will ask the court for it.
• Using only email when the lease names a notice address. Send to the notice address by a trackable method as well.
• Leaving out your forwarding address, which in some states (Texas especially) is part of what triggers the landlord's duty.

Limits of this tool

• Notice rules and deadlines vary by state. Check yours before choosing the response date.
• A demand letter does not stop any limitation period for suing. Small claims deadlines still apply.
• The tool does not check whether deductions were lawful; work that out first and demand only what you are owed.

Sources were last checked in October 2026. Statutes are amended often; if the official text differs from this page, the official text controls.